Headlining Day 1 are P.V. Sindhu and rising star Ayush Shetty; two athletes whose paths are about to collide with global giants. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, begins her campaign against Ireland’s Sophia Noble, with a potential blockbuster clash against China’s Wang Zhi Yi waiting in the wings. Meanwhile, Shetty faces his toughest test yet: a Round of 64 battle against world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi, a player he’s lost to 3-0; but never without putting up a fight. In doubles, local talent likeTreesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand, and Kavipriya Selvam step up against international pairs. The schedule is packed, the stakes are high, and the home crowd is roaring. This isn’t just a tournament; it’s a statement.