India’s Uber Cup Hopes Dented: Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Withdraw

The Indian women’s badminton team has faced a major setback ahead of the Uber Cup Finals 2026 in Horsens, Denmark. The top-ranked doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand has officially withdrawn from the tournament due to an ankle injury sustained by Jolly.

The Injury: A “Training Accident”

According to India’s doubles coach, B. Sumeeth Reddy, the injury occurred just days before the team was set to depart for the Badminton Asia Championships.

• The Cause: Treesa accidentally stepped on her partner’s foot during a high-intensity training session.

• The Recovery: While the injury is not considered major, Jolly has been advised to rest and undergo rehabilitation for approximately four weeks.

• The Return: She is expected to return to professional play at the Singapore Open in late May.

Next Gen Steps Up: The Replacements

In light of the withdrawal, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) has called up the promising young pair of Shruti Mishra and Priya Konjengbam.

• Rankings: Currently world No. 48.

• Credentials: They are the reigning 2023 Senior National champions and were vital members of the squad that clinched gold at the 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships.

Thomas Cup Update: Satwik-Chirag Early Departure

While the women’s team reshuffles, the men’s team is taking a proactive approach to defending their 2022 legacy. World No. 4 pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are traveling to Denmark tomorrow—well ahead of the tournament start—to acclimate and train. Both players are returning to peak form after nursing shoulder injuries over the past month.

Uber Cup Group A: The Road Ahead

The Indian women’s team faces a formidable “Group of Death” in Denmark:

The Thomas and Uber Cup Finals are scheduled to take place at the Forum Horsens Arena from April 24 to May 3, 2026. India’s campaign begins on the opening day, with the women facing Denmark in a crucial home-turf battle.