New Delhi
The stage is set for India’s men’s and women’s badminton teams as they gear up for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup Finals 2026, with the opening day in picturesque Horsens, Denmark, drawing near.
The Indian men’s team, fresh off their historic victory in 2022, will launch their campaign with a match against Canada on April 24 at 12 PM IST. Later that same day, the women’s team will face off against the host nation, Denmark. All matches are scheduled to take place at Forum Horsens, as detailed in a recent press release.
As the group stage unfolds, every match carries immense significance. The men’s squad will quickly find themselves tested, taking on Australia on April 27 (12 PM IST) and then clashing with China on April 29 (1:30 PM IST). The women’s team, for their part, continues their journey against Ukraine on April 25 and China on April 27, both set for 10 PM IST.
Progression to the knockout stage hinges on securing one of the top two spots within their respective groups, underscoring the necessity for a strong start.
“We’ve been putting in the effort as a cohesive unit over the past few weeks, focusing on our combinations and building rhythm across the board. The Thomas Cup presents challenges, particularly with three formidable ties ahead, so our aim is to remain sharp and tackle each match one at a time,” remarked HS Prannoy, a stalwart of the men’s team.
The women’s team arrives in Horsens with an intriguing blend of fresh talent and seasoned athletes, hoping to build on their semi-final appearances in 2014 and 2016. The squad has undergone a significant change in their doubles lineup, with Shruti Mishra and Priya Konjengbam stepping in for Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, who are sidelined due to injury.
“Being part of such a prestigious event is exhilarating, and you can feel the significance of the Thomas and Uber Cups from the moment you enter the setup. This time, we have a youthful squad, and the enthusiasm in our training is palpable. Everyone is pushing one another every day. We’re committed to making the most of this incredible opportunity,” expressed Unnati Hooda, a member of the women’s team.
Both the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals feature 16 competing nations, showcasing the pinnacle of badminton talent from around the globe. The Indian men’s team secured their spot as one of the three highest-ranked sides, while the women’s team achieved the same, illustrating India’s steadfast presence in the upper echelons of the sport.
With the men’s team entering the arena as the reigning champions and the women’s squad boasting a mix of youth and experience, India is poised to settle in quickly and progress step by step through the tournament.
Men’s Team Fixtures – Group Stage (IST):
April 24: India vs Canada – 12:00 PM
April 27: India vs Australia – 12:00 PM
April 29: India vs China – 1:30 PM
Women’s Team Fixtures – Group Stage (IST):
April 24: India vs Denmark – 3:30 PM
April 25: India vs Ukraine – 10:00 PM
April 27: India vs China – 10:00 PM.
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