New Delhi, March 18 The Indian men's and women's teams have been drawn against strong opponents in the Thomas and Uber Cups, respectively, after being grouped with defending champions China, the Badminton World Federation announced on Wednesday.
The 34th edition of the Thomas Cup and the 31st Uber Cup will be held in Horsens, Denmark from April 24-May 3.
The Indian men's team, who made history by winning their first-ever title in 2022, have been placed in Group A alongside China, Canada, and Australia.
India had lost to eventual winners China in the quarterfinals of the previous edition in 2024.
In the Uber Cup, the Indian women's team also finds itself in Group A with reigning and 16-time champions China.
Denmark and Ukraine complete the group.
India had lost in the quarterfinals in the previous edition, losing to Japan.
China has a formidable men's lineup with Shi Yu Qi (world No. 2) and Li Shi Feng (No. 7), along with Weng Hong Yang (No. 17) and Lu Guang Zu (No. 18).
However, India will draw confidence from Lakshya Sen's recent form as the Paris 2024 semi-finalist stunned Feng on his way to a runner-up finish at the All-England Championships earlier this month.
India had created history in 2022 by winning their maiden Thomas Cup title in Bangkok, becoming only the sixth nation to lift the trophy after a 3-0 win over 14-time champions Indonesia in the final.
India qualified for the 2026 Thomas Cup through their position in the BWF men's team rankings following the Badminton Asia Team Championships.
The women's team also secured their Uber Cup berth via the world rankings.
A total of 16 teams – divided into four groups of four – will play round robin league with each tie consisting of five matches (three singles and two doubles).
The top two teams from each group will make the quarter-finals.
Thomas Cup Draw
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Group A: China, India, Canada, Australia; Group B: Japan, Malaysia, England, Finland; Group C: Chinese Taipei, Denmark, Korea, Sweden; Group D: Indonesia, France, Thailand, Algeria.
Uber Cup Draw
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Group A: China, India, Denmark, Ukraine; Group B: Japan, Malaysia, Turkey, South Africa; Group C: Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Canada, Australia; Group D: Korea, Thailand, Bulgaria, Spain.
