The badminton scenario in India has been improving every year with Saina Nehwal carrying the Indian flag for some years now. Other players such as PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth have also been gradually improving, which can be understood by their performances in the last 12-18 months or so.
Hence, with one of the most prestigious world mixed team badminton championship, Sudirman Cup starting from 10 May in China, India will be eager to create history by turning triumphant in such a prestigious title, which India has not won in the past.
But, it is not going to be an easy outing for India, as India have been pitted in a tricky group alongside Malaysia and Korea. There will be five matches in every round, which includes men and women's singles, men and women's doubles and mixed doubles.
India may do fairly well in the singles competition, but India may be found wanting in doubles, where they do not enjoy a good record.
The tournament, which first kick started in 1989 has been a happy hunting ground for China winning the title nine times in the past. The prestigious competition is a biennial event and in the last five occasions, it is China who have stood tall amongst all other nations in the competition.
Hence, this time around as well, China will be one of the favourites for the competition. The host finds themselves in an easy group alongside Germany and Thailand.
Here is a look at the four groups in the competition
Group 1A – China, Thailand and Germany
Group1B – Japan, Chinese Taipei and Russia
Group 1C – Indonesia, Denmark and England
Group 1D – Korea, India and Malaysia
Most Successful Nations
China – 9
Korea – 3
Indonesia – 1
Complete Fixture
10 May
China vs Germany
Japan vs Russia
Korea vs Malaysia
Denmark vs England
11 May
Chinese Taipei vs Russia
Thailand vs Germany
India vs Malaysia
Indonesia vs England
12 May
China vs Thailand
Japan vs Chinese Taipei
13 May
Denmark vs Indonesia
Korea vs India
14th May
Two quarter-finals
15th May
Two quarter-finals
16th May
Two semi-finals
17th May
Finals
Live on TV
Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 2 HD in India.