The BWF Super 750 India Open 2026 took place in New Delhi from Jan 13‑18, offering a $750,000 prize pool and fierce competition across five disciplines. Highlights included Viktor Axelsen’s dominant run, Chen Yufei’s comeback victories, and a controversial venue upgrade that sparked player complaints but was swiftly addressed. The tournament also set the stage for upcoming World Tour rankings and tested Delhi’s capacity to host future championships.
Tournament Overview & Prize Money
The 2026 edition marked the 30th anniversary of the India Open and solidified its status as a Super 750 event on the BWF World Tour. A total prize purse of US $750,000 was allocated according to BWF regulations:
- Singles champions: US $57,000 each
- Doubles champions (pair): US $60,000 per pair
Beyond the financial rewards, players earned valuable ranking points crucial for qualification to the season‑ending World Tour Finals.
Schedule & Key Fixtures
The tournament opened on Thursday, 13 January, with first‑round matches in all five disciplines. Notable moments included:
- Kento Matsuyama (world No. 3) fell in the round of 32 to rising Indian talent K. Rohit after a three‑set battle.
- Defending women’s singles champion Akane Yamaguchi faced Denmark’s Line Kjaer on Saturday, 15 January, clinching a tight 21‑19 third game.
- Men’s singles quarter‑finals saw world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen defeat Japan’s Kenta Nagai in straight games.
- Women’s singles quarter‑final featured Chen Yufei rallying from 14‑20 down to beat South Korea’s An Se‑Young 21‑18.
Semi‑Final Preview
Saturday, 17 January, brought high‑stakes semi‑finals:
- Men’s singles: Viktor Axelsen vs. Indonesia’s Jonatan Christiansen; K. Rohit vs. Denmark’s Anders Kjaer, offering a potential first Indian finalist.
- Women’s singles: Chen Yufei vs. Japan’s No. 2 seed Nozomi Kobayashi; An Se‑Young vs. India’s Saina Nehwal, marking Nehwal’s return from injury.
- Mixed doubles: Chinese pair Zheng Han & Li Ying vs. Thai duo Dechapol Savat & Sapsiree Sangkhom, a clash of experience versus youth.
All semi‑final matches were streamed live on the BWF’s official platform with free access for the first 24 hours.
Venue Upgrade Controversy
The shift to the refurbished Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium sparked criticism from several players, notably the Danish delegation, who cited inconsistent lighting, inadequate court mats, and sub‑optimal air‑conditioning. In response, the BWF confirmed that upgrades to lighting, flooring, and ventilation would be completed before the 2026 World Championships. Tournament director Ramesh Kumar assured athletes that remedial measures had been taken and that the venue now meets BWF standards.
Implications for the World Tour
Points earned in Delhi will influence the race to the season‑ending Finals. Early leaders such as Axelsen and Yufei aim to cement top‑ranking positions, while Indian shuttlers seek to break into the top 10, a milestone that could attract new sponsorship and inspire future talent. Successful execution of the India Open, despite venue concerns, demonstrates the BWF’s confidence in expanding badminton into larger, multi‑purpose arenas.
Looking Ahead
The outcomes of the semi‑finals will not only crown the 2026 India Open champions—granting prestige and a share of the $750,000 purse—but also set the tone for the next three months of the World Tour. Whether the venue issues are fully resolved or not, the event has reaffirmed Delhi’s status as a premier badminton hub, delivering thrilling competition and highlighting the sport’s bright, contested future.
