Sindhu, Satwik-Chirag lead Indian hopes at Badminton Worlds

The BWF World Championships begin in New Delhi on Monday, with India hosting the event for the first time since 2009. P.V. Sindhu, a five-time medallist and the only Indian to win gold, will start her campaign against world No. 141 Sofia Nobel of Ireland. The ninth seed, who won the Japan Open last month, said the victory gave her confidence. China's Wang Zhi Yi, Indonesia's Putri Kusuma Wardani and top-ranked An Se Young of Korea could block her path to a sixth medal.

Asian Games gold medallists Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have a bye in the opening round of men's doubles. Lakshya Sen, aiming to become the first Indian man to win two World medals, begins against Austria's Collins Filimon on Tuesday and may face former champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn in the pre-quarterfinals. Indian youngster Ayush Shetty takes on defending champion and top seed Shi Yuqi of China in his debut match.

Defending champion Akane Yamaguchi of Japan is seeking a record fourth women's singles gold. The tournament runs from August 16 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.