Indian shuttlers HS Prannoy and Devika Sihag both crashed out in the opening round of the China Open 2026 in Changzhou, with Prannoy losing 21-10, 21-14 to Leong Jun Hao and Sihag falling to Busanan Ongbamrungphan in three games. Leong Jun Hao defeated Prannoy to level their head-to-head at two wins apiece. PV Sindhu, the Japan Open winner, will begin her China Open campaign against compatriot Unnati Hooda, while Lakshya Sen also starts his singles run. Ayush Shetty is slated to face Alwi Farhan in the singles first round, with India fielding MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan in men's doubles and Tanisha Crasto-Dhruv Kapila and Rohan Kapoor-Ruthvika Shivani Gadde in mixed doubles. India’s campaign at the China Open 2026 has been disappointing with two first-round exits on opening day, prompting hopes for success from the remaining stars like Sindhu and Sen. The reports collectively emphasize a challenging start for Indian badminton at the event, with focus shifting to later rounds as potential lifts.