Ace Indian shuttlers Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy exited the India Open 2025 on Wednesday in what turned out to be a disastrous day for the home contingent at the KD Jadhav Hall in Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.
India’s breakthrough shuttler crashed out of the men’s singles event after a 15,-21 10-21 loss in the Round of 32 clash against Lin Chun-yi of Chinese Taipei. This was his second consecutive early exit in 2025 after a first round loss at the Malaysia Open 2025.
Earlier in the day, Prannoy lost a three-game thriller 21-16, 18-21, 12-21 to World No. 33 Su Li Yang of Chinese Taipei in the opening round.
He had previously lost to Yang at the All England Open, last year.
India’s rising star Priyanshu Rajawat had a similar fate as he lost in three games 16-21, 22-20, 13-21 to world number 7 Kodai Naraoka of Japan in a physical battle that lasted an hour and 22 minutes.
However, national champion Anupama Upadhyaya advanced to the second round after defeating her Gopichand academy compatriot Rakshitha Sree 21-17, 21-18.
“This is my first time playing in India Open Super 750 level. Last year, I was just watching all of them play,” said Anupama.
“Before this I had played in the Super 500 but the standard at this level is different. Last year, I played my first 750 in China and last week also played the Malaysia Super 1000. These performances help me believe that I can be their equal. I have the speed and compatibility against the top players,” she added.