BWF World Championships 2025: PV Sindhu, HS Prannoy keep India's singles hope alive
(Courtesy : BWF/Badminton Photo)
PV Sindhu defeated Kaloyana Nalbantova in her BWF World Championships 2025 opening match.
India finally had something to cheer about on Day 2 of the BWF World Championships 2025 in Paris as PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy got their campaigns off to winning starts, keeping the singles challenge alive.
Two-time Olympic medallist Sindhu kicked off her campaign against world No. 69 Kaloyana Nalbantova. The opening game was a nail-biter as Nalbantova tested Sindhu at several turns. Sindhu trailed 7-11 at the interval before levelling at 12-12.
Also Read: BWF World Championships 2025 Day 2 Highlights
However, that wasn’t the end of her difficulties as the 30-year-old had to then save two game points. But Sindhu held her nerve and eventually sealed the game 23-21.
Once past the scare, Sindhu turned the tides in her favour. The second game was all but one-way traffic, with the Indian shuttler dominating from start to finish, sealing a dominating 21-6 victory to book her place in the next round. Sindhu will next meet Letshanaa Karupathevan of Malaysia in round of 32.
Later in the day, HS Prannoy stepped on court against 22-year-old Joakim Oldorff of Finland. The youngster showed glimpses of fight, but Prannoy’s experience prevailed through as he wrapped up the match smoothly with 21-18, 21-15 win.
On the other hand, India also had a strong showing in the mixed doubles event at the BWF World Championships 2025. The world No. 33 pair, Ruthvika Shivani Gadde and Rohan Kapoor, won their opening match against the Macao duo Iok Chong Leong and Weng Chi Ng in three sets.
Also Read: BWF World Championships 2025: Lakshya Sen crashes out in opening round, India’s WD campaign over
After dropping the first game 18-21, the Indian pair bounced back strongly, taking the next two games 21-16, 21-18 to secure the win and keep their campaign on track.
The wins were much-needed for India, after a rough opening day in Paris where Lakshya Sen bowed out in a tight battle against world No. 1 Shi Yuqi, and the women’s doubles campaign also ended early.
Similarly, men’s doubles pair of Hariharan Amsakaruna and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi couldn’t get going and lost tamely to Taiwan’s Kuang Heng Liu/Po Han Yang 15-21, 5-21.
The focus now shifts to India’s top men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who will open their campaign in the second round, having received an opening-round bye.
Who did PV Sindhu defeat in her BWF World Championships 2025 first-round match?
Sindhu defeated world No. 69 Kaloyana Nalbantova.
Who will PV Sindhu face in the Round of 32?
Sindhu will face Letshanaa Karupathevan in the next round.
Who did HS Prannoy defeat in the opening round of BWF World Championships 2025?
Prannoy faced 22-year-old Joakim Oldorff of Finland and won the match 21-18, 21-15.
Who will HS Prannoy face in the second round of BWF World Championships 2025?
Prannoy will be up against second seed Anders Antonsen in the next round.
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Uzma Fatima is a passionate sports journalist who believes every match has a story waiting to be told. Whether it's the grace of Olympic champions, the grit of tennis and badminton battles, or the drama of cricket’s highs and heartbreaks — she loves capturing the emotion behind the action. Off the field, she’s a Formula 1 enthusiast who never misses a race weekend.