Asian Games 2026: India's projected path to badminton men's team event final
India could potentially face Japan in the quarter-final
The Indian men’s badminton team will begin its campaign at the Asian Games 2026 with a Round of 16 clash against Bangladesh. India will be aiming to go one step further than its silver-medal finish at the 2022 edition in Hangzhou. India had reached the final in Hangzhou before losing to China.
India’s squad features plenty of experience, with Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth, and reigning Asian Games men’s doubles champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty among the key names.
The draw, however, has given India a difficult route to the final. Here’s the Indian men’s team’s projected path to the finals:
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India’s projected path to men’s team event final Asian Games 2026
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Round of 16 – Bangladesh
Indian men’s team will open their campaign against Bangladesh in the Round of 16.
On paper, India enter the tie with a stronger squad and considerably more experience at the highest level. Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty provide depth in the singles department, while Satwik and Chirag headline a doubles unit that has consistently competed against the world’s best.
Bangladesh will therefore have a difficult task against India across the five-match tie. India will look to finish the contest without allowing the tie to become unnecessarily complicated.
A victory would set up a much tougher quarter-final.
Related: Badminton team draws revealed: Indian projected to face Japan in quarter-finals, Korea in semis
Quarterfinal – Japan
India’s potential quarter-final opponent is Japan, which has several experienced players in its squad.
Kenta Nishimoto, Yushi Tanaka, and Koki Watanabe provide Japan with multiple options in men’s singles, while the doubles department features the experienced combinations of Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi and Yuta Watanabe.
A potential singles clash between Lakshya and Kodai Naraoka could be particularly important, while the Satwik-Chirag combination could face Hoki and Kobayashi in the doubles. The tie could therefore come down to which team handles the crucial matches better.
Japan will also have home support behind them, adding another dimension to what could be India’s first major test of the competition.
Semifinal – China
If India overcomes Japan, they are projected to face China in the semi-finals. China possesses one of the deepest badminton squads in the world, with Olympic and world-class singles players as well as some of the leading men’s doubles combinations.
Shi Yuqi, Li Shi Feng and Lu Guang Zu give China considerable strength in men’s singles, while the doubles department includes Feng Yan Zhe, He Ji Ting, Jiang Zhen Bang, Liang Wei Keng, and Wang Chang.
This could be India’s toughest tie on the projected route to the final. India will need strong performances in both singles and doubles, with the first two matches potentially setting the tone for the entire contest.
China’s depth means India cannot rely on one or two players to carry the tie. The doubles combinations of Satwik–Chirag and MR Arjun-Hariharan Amsakarunan could have a particularly important role.
Related: Asian Games 2026: Updated day-wise India schedule for all sports
Final – Indonesia/Malaysia
Should India reach the final, they could face Indonesia or Malaysia from the other half of the draw.
Indonesia will be one of the major contenders, particularly because of its strength in men’s doubles. Malaysia, meanwhile, also possesses the quality to challenge for a place in the final. Both teams will have to navigate their own difficult route before potentially meeting India.
Chinese Taipei could also emerge as a dark horse. They are in the same half as Indonesia and Malaysia and could disrupt the expected path to the final.
For India, the route is clear: Bangladesh in the Round of 16, Japan in the quarter-finals, a potential China semi-final, and then either Indonesia, Malaysia, or Chinese Taipei in the final.
After winning silver in Hangzhou, India will hope their experienced squad can go one step further in Aichi-Nagoya and claim the men’s team gold.
Who will India play in the badminton men’s team event Round of 16 at Asian Games 2026?
India open their campaign against Bangladesh in the Round of 16, a five-match tie. A win would set up a projected quarterfinal against Japan.
Who are the key players in India’s men’s badminton squad at the Asian Games 2026?
The main names are Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth, and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, the reigning Asian Games men’s doubles champions. Ayush Shetty and the doubles pair of MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan are also part of the squad.
What was India’s result in the men’s team badminton event at the last Asian Games?
India won silver in Hangzhou after reaching the final and losing to China.
What is India’s projected route to the badminton men’s team event final at Asian Games 2026?
Round of 16 – Bangladesh
Quarterfinal – Japan
Semifinal – China
Final – Indonesia/Malaysia
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