Smash Comeback, Satwiksairaj-Chirag Storm Back Into BWF Top 10; Lakshya Sen, Unnati Hooda Shine In Singles Surge
Indian badminton is witnessing a thrilling resurgence on the global stage as the country’s top shuttlers make powerful strides in the latest BWF (Badminton World Federation) Rankings. The dynamic men’s doubles duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have reclaimed their rightful place in the Top 10, signaling their return to elite form after a phase of injuries and inconsistent results.
Adding to the celebration, Lakshya Sen continues his upward trajectory in men’s singles, while teenage sensation Unnati Hooda marks her arrival with a significant climb in the women’s singles chart — making this a week of wins for Indian badminton fans.
Satwik-Chirag Back In Top 10: A Roaring Comeback
After slipping out of the top 10 due to a mix of injuries and early exits in key tournaments, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have staged a powerful comeback, now ranked No. 9 in the BWF Men’s Doubles rankings.
Their resurgence comes on the back of a semi-final finish at the Japan Open 2025 and consistent performances throughout the Asian leg of the BWF World Tour. The Indian pair defeated higher-ranked opponents, displaying flashes of the aggressive, coordinated gameplay that made them fan favorites.
Recent Key Results:
- Japan Open 2025: Semi-finalists
- Indonesia Masters: Quarter-finalists
- Thailand Open: Runners-up
Their ranking jump not only boosts confidence ahead of the Paris Olympics 2024 cycle but also re-establishes them as one of the most dangerous doubles pairs on the circuit.
“We always believed in our partnership. The dip in rankings was temporary. We’re hungrier than ever,” said Chirag Shetty in a post-match interview after their Japan Open performance.
Lakshya Sen Climbs Up The Singles Ladder
In the men’s singles division, Lakshya Sen is back to showing why he is considered India’s next badminton prodigy. The 23-year-old has climbed to World No. 11, marking his best ranking in over a year. His incredible footwork, sharp net play, and newfound mental resilience have been key to his resurgence.
Notable Recent Achievements:
- Malaysia Super 500: Semi-finalist
- Korea Open: Quarter-finalist
- Commonwealth Trials (India): Winner
Lakshya has managed to consistently defeat top-20 players, showing the maturity that fans had been hoping to see since his breakthrough year in 2022. His recent run indicates he’s peaking at just the right time ahead of the World Championships and Olympic qualifiers.
Teen Prodigy Unnati Hooda Breaks Through
Among the most exciting developments is the rise of Unnati Hooda, the 17-year-old shuttler from Haryana who has broken into the Top 60 in the women’s singles rankings — her career-best position so far.
Unnati made headlines earlier this year by becoming the youngest Indian woman to win a BWF International Challenge tournament. Her explosive playing style and fearless attitude on court have earned her comparisons with legends like Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu in their early years.
Recent Highlights:
- Uganda International Challenge: Champion
- India International Series: Finalist
- Polish Open: Semi-finalist
“I just want to enjoy my game and keep improving with every tournament,” Unnati said after her Uganda title win.
India’s Growing Presence in Global Rankings
Here’s a snapshot of India’s top performers in the latest BWF rankings:
| Player/Pair | Category | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Satwik-Chirag | Men’s Doubles | 9 |
| Lakshya Sen | Men’s Singles | 11 |
| HS Prannoy | Men’s Singles | 14 |
| PV Sindhu | Women’s Singles | 15 |
| Unnati Hooda | Women’s Singles | 59 |
| Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand | Women’s Doubles | 18 |
What It Means Going Forward
India’s badminton ecosystem seems to be finally reaping the rewards of structured training, domestic leagues, and international exposure. With top-tier players regaining form and emerging stars rising through the ranks, Paris 2024 and the BWF World Championships could be game-changing moments for Indian badminton.
As Satwik-Chirag aim to chase their dream of an Olympic medal and Lakshya/Unnati chart their own individual paths to greatness, one thing is certain — India is no longer an underdog in the badminton world. It’s a rising powerhouse.
This week’s BWF Rankings are more than just numbers. They represent redemption, rise, and reinvention. Satwik-Chirag’s return to the top 10 is a nod to their grit, Lakshya Sen’s climb is a testimony to consistency, and Unnati Hooda’s breakthrough is a glimpse into the bright future ahead.
The shuttle’s flying fast, and so is India’s march in world badminton.
