Hylo Open: 12 Indian Shuttlers Set for a Busy Round of 32
India’s badminton contingent faces a packed schedule at the Hylo Open on Wednesday, with 12 players taking to the court in the singles Round of 32. The Super 500 tournament offers a valuable opportunity for established stars to build momentum and for emerging shuttlers to test themselves against international opposition.
Two-time Olympic medallist P. V. Sindhu, Commonwealth Games champion Lakshya Sen and experienced campaigner H. S. Prannoy headline the Indian line-up. They are joined by a broad group of younger players, including Unnati Hooda, Anmol Kharb and S. Sankar Muthusamy, making it a day of interest across both the men’s and women’s singles draws.
All-Indian Match Adds Intrigue to Women’s Singles
One of the day’s most closely watched contests will be the women’s singles meeting between Devika Sihag and Malvika Bansod. With both players representing India, the match guarantees a home-country presence in the next round while setting up a demanding test for each shuttler. Familiarity with one another’s playing styles can make domestic matchups especially tactical: patience, court positioning and the ability to vary the pace may prove decisive.
Sindhu also features in an all-Indian encounter, taking on Prakriti Bharath, who represents the UAE. Sindhu’s experience on major international stages makes her one of the tournament’s most prominent names, but opening-round matches still require focus and discipline. A strong start, careful control of rallies and efficient use of attacking opportunities will be important as she aims to move into the Round of 16.
Elsewhere in the women’s draw, Aakarshi Kashyap meets Ukraine’s Polina Buhrova, while Unnati Hooda faces Czechia’s Tereza Svabikova. Isharani Baruah is set to play Germany’s Miranda Wilson, and Anmol Kharb takes on Sri Lanka’s Ranithma Liyanage. Ashmita Chaliha rounds out the Indian women’s singles schedule with a match against Bulgaria’s Kaloyana Nalbantova.
Sen and Prannoy Face International Tests
Lakshya Sen’s Round of 32 opponent is Finland’s Joakim Oldorff. Sen has established himself as one of India’s leading men’s singles players, and the Hylo Open gives him another chance to sharpen his game in a competitive international field. His movement and ability to turn defence into attack are likely to be key against a European opponent who will be eager to make an early impression.
Prannoy faces France’s Toma Junior Popov in a late-night fixture. The matchup brings together two experienced players with the ability to produce long, physically demanding rallies. Prannoy’s court awareness and consistency will be tested, while Popov will look to use his own attacking options to put pressure on the Indian. In a tournament where recovery between matches can matter as much as technique, getting through the opening round efficiently would be valuable.
India’s men’s singles representation also includes Tharun Mannepalli, who meets Chinese Taipei’s Chi Yu Jen; Kiran George, who plays Malaysia’s June Wei Cheam; and S. Sankar Muthusamy, who takes on Finland’s Kalle Koljonen. These matches give the Indian players an opportunity to earn important ranking points and gain experience against opponents with different styles and strengths.
Why the Hylo Open Matters
The Hylo Open is part of the Badminton World Federation’s Super 500 circuit, a level that attracts a strong international field and offers meaningful ranking points. For players, success can help strengthen their position on the world tour, build confidence and maintain momentum through a demanding season. For fans, the early rounds provide a chance to follow both established stars and the next generation of badminton talent.
India’s large presence in Wednesday’s draw reflects the depth of its singles programme. While Sindhu, Sen and Prannoy bring experience and high-profile credentials, the younger players have the chance to turn a first-round opportunity into a significant breakthrough. A win can create a more favourable path through the draw, but each match will require concentration from the opening rally.
Hylo Open Round of 32: Indian Players’ Schedule
- 2:20 p.m. — Aakarshi Kashyap vs Polina Buhrova (Ukraine)
- 3:10 p.m. — Devika Sihag vs Malvika Bansod (India)
- 5:15 p.m. — Unnati Hooda vs Tereza Svabikova (Czechia)
- 8:35 p.m. — Isharani Baruah vs Miranda Wilson (Germany)
- 8:35 p.m. — Anmol Kharb vs Ranithma Liyanage (Sri Lanka)
- 10:40 p.m. — Lakshya Sen vs Joakim Oldorff (Finland)
- 10:40 p.m. — P. V. Sindhu vs Prakriti Bharath (UAE)
- 11:30 p.m. — Tharun Mannepalli vs Chi Yu Jen (Chinese Taipei)
- 12:20 a.m. — H. S. Prannoy vs Toma Junior Popov (France)
- 12:20 a.m. — Ashmita Chaliha vs Kaloyana Nalbantova (Bulgaria)
- 1:10 a.m. — Kiran George vs June Wei Cheam (Malaysia)
- 1:10 a.m. — S. Sankar Muthusamy vs Kalle Koljonen (Finland)
With 12 Indian shuttlers competing across the singles draws, Wednesday promises a full slate of badminton action at the Hylo Open. The schedule features domestic rivalries, challenging international matchups and several opportunities for India’s emerging players to make their mark. Fans will be watching to see which athletes can convert their opening-round chances into a place in the next stage.
