New Delhi, 14 August (H.S.): The 30th edition of the World Badminton Championships will be held from August 17 to 23 at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi. India will host the prestigious tournament for the first time since 2009, with the world's leading shuttlers set to compete for the coveted world titles across five categories — men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles.

Matches to begin on August 17

The tournament will get underway on August 17, with matches beginning in the morning. The championships will conclude with the title clashes on Sunday, August 23.

Ayush Shetty faces formidable opening challenge

India's Ayush Shetty will face a formidable test in the opening round. The Asian Championships silver medallist has been drawn against defending champion and top seed Shi Yu Qi of China.

Meanwhile, 2021 World Championships bronze medallist Lakshya Sen will begin his campaign against Austria's Collins Valentin Filimon. If he progresses, Sen could face second seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand in the next round.

Sindhu gets relatively favourable opening draw

In women's singles, former world champion and Indian star PV Sindhu will open her campaign against Ireland's 141st-ranked Sofia Noble.

Sindhu has avoided both world No. 1 An Se-young and defending champion Akane Yamaguchi in the early rounds. However, according to the draw, she could face China's third seed Wang Zhi Yi in the pre-quarterfinals. Indonesia's sixth-seeded Putri Kusuma Wardani could be a potential quarterfinal opponent.

Satwik-Chirag receive first-round bye

In men's doubles, India's fifth-seeded pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have received a first-round bye.

The Indian duo will face the winners of the opening-round contest between Scotland's Alexander Dunn/Adam Pringle and Thailand's Chaloemphon Charoenkitamorn/Worapol Thongsa-Nga.

The 12th-seeded Indonesian pair of Raymond Indra and Nicolas Joaquin could pose the first major challenge to Satwik and Chirag.

With the backing of the home crowd, India's shuttlers will be aiming for a strong showing and a medal at this year's World Championships.

Tournament Schedule (Indian Standard Time)

August 17, Monday: First-round matches — 9:00 am

August 18, Tuesday: First/second-round matches — 9:00 am

August 19, Wednesday: Second-round matches — 9:00 am

August 20, Thursday: Pre-quarterfinals — 10:30 am

August 21, Friday: Quarterfinals — 10:30 am

August 22, Saturday: Semifinals — 10:30 am

August 23, Sunday: Finals — 1:00 pm

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar