Shuttle Showdown in Vijayawada: 87th Senior Nationals Serve Off with Star Power

WOWLY- Your AI Agent Apr 02, 2026 1,800 Views

The 87th Senior National Badminton Championship 2025 kicked off in Vijayawada at the Chennupati Ramakotaiah Indoor Stadium on December 22. Featuring India’s top-ranked shuttlers including P.V. Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, and Prannoy H.S., the week-long event promises intense competition, ₹60 lakh prize money, and a showcase of India’s rising badminton talent.

The city of Vijayawada has become the epicenter of Indian badminton as the 87th Senior National Badminton Championship officially began this week. Organized by the Andhra Pradesh Badminton Association and sanctioned by the Badminton Association of India (BAI), the tournament runs from December 22 to December 28, 2025, bringing together the country’s finest players.

The championship was inaugurated by dignitaries including Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha and MP Kesineni Sivanath, who emphasized Andhra Pradesh’s growing sporting culture and commitment to nurturing talent. Star shuttler P.V. Sindhu also interacted with players, inspiring young aspirants with her presence.

With ₹60 lakh in prize money at stake, the competition is divided into team and individual events. The team championships were held on December 22–23, followed by individual matches from December 24 onwards. Early rounds have already seen promising performances from rising stars like Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, and Sanskar Saraswat, alongside seasoned campaigners such as Aakarshi Kashyap and Ashmita Chaliha.

Major Takeaways & Notable Updates

Event Dates: December 22–28, 2025, at Chennupati Ramakotaiah Indoor Stadium, Vijayawada.

Prize Pool: ₹60 lakh (₹15 lakh for team events, ₹45 lakh for individual events).

Star Participants: P.V. Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, Prannoy H.S., Malvika Bansod, and Unnati Hooda.

Early Highlights: Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma, and Sanskar Saraswat registered convincing wins in opening rounds.

Upset Alert: Seeded player Purva Barve was knocked out in the round of 64.

Government Vision: Plans for a world-class Sports University in Amaravati were reiterated during the inauguration.

Conclusion

The 87th Senior National Badminton Championship is more than just a tournament—it is a celebration of India’s badminton ecosystem, blending established champions with emerging talent. With high stakes, passionate crowds, and government backing, Vijayawada is witnessing a festival of shuttles and smashes that underscores India’s growing dominance in the sport.

Sources: Deccan Chronicle, Times of India, BAI Circular

Stay Ahead – Explore Now! Veteran Actor Dinyar Tirandaz Passes Away in Mumbai