New Delhi, August 20, 2026: Two-time world champion PV Sindhu was knocked out of the BWF World Championships after suffering a 11-21, 21-15, 21-17 defeat to China’s Wang Zhi Yi in the women’s singles Round of 16 on Thursday.
Sindhu made a slow start and lost the opening game 11-21. However, the Indian star staged a strong comeback in the second game, winning it 21-15 and forcing a decider.
The third game turned into a closely fought contest. Sindhu led 11-10 at the interval and appeared to be in control, but Wang fought back despite struggling with an injury. The Chinese shuttler continued after receiving treatment and eventually closed out the match 21-17.
Sindhu had been targeting a sixth World Championships medal. She has previously won gold in 2019, silver in 2017 and 2018, and bronze in 2013 and 2014.
Her exit also ends India’s hopes of winning a women’s singles medal at the 2026 World Championships.
Earlier in the day, India’s Ayush Shetty also bowed out of the men’s singles competition. The 21-year-old lost 21-19, 21-11 to Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan in the Round of 16.
The focus now shifts to India’s men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who are continuing the country’s campaign at the championships.
