Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Soar to World No. 27 After BWF Bronze

Kohima, India Aug 26, 2026 ALN: NEW DELHI, AUG 25: The Indian women’s star pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand have received a major boost in the world rankings after their bronze medal win in the recently concluded BWF World Championships. The star doubles pair has jumped 12 spots from No. 39 to reach World No. 27 as per the latest rankings update. This remarkable achievement not only highlights their individual talents but also reflects the growing strength of Indian badminton on the international stage.

This follows after Treesa and Gayatri clinched the only medal for India at the home Worlds. The duo made their way to the semifinals and became the first Indian women’s doubles pair to win a medal at the Championships since Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa won a bronze in 2011. Their success is particularly significant as it underscores a period of resurgence for Indian badminton, which has seen a steady rise in the performance of its athletes across various categories in recent years.

The two now have 44,192 points to their name as they made a big jump in the latest rankings update. They were ranked World No. 39 in the previous week’s update with 33,692 points. This increase in points not only boosts their ranking but also enhances their visibility and potential for future competitions, including qualifications for prestigious tournaments and Olympic events.

On their way to the medal, Treesa and Gayatri stunned the fourth-seeded Chinese pair of Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian in the quarterfinals, a brilliant come-from-behind win that saw them recover from a game down to clinch the contest 16-21, 21-15, 21-13. This victory was not just a testament to their skill and determination but also showcased their ability to perform under pressure, a crucial attribute in high-stakes sports.

The two had a chance to beat the World No. 1 and defending champions Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning in the final when they were a game up but lost the next two games to take the bronze, which was India’s only medal at the Worlds. With their historic bronze, India kept their streak of winning at least one medal at the Worlds since 2011. This consistency in performance at the World Championships indicates a solid foundation for the future of Indian badminton, inspiring upcoming players and fostering a competitive environment.

Meanwhile, there was a major shake-up in the top 10 of the men’s singles rankings. Indonesian shuttler Jonatan Christie has become the new World No. 1 as he scaled two spots from third after his round-of-16 finish. Last week’s World No. 1 Shi Yuqi lost five places after his first-round defeat to India’s Ayush Shetty as he now sits at No. 6. Kunlavut Vitidsarn and Anders Antonsen also dropped a place each from No. 2 and No. 4, respectively. These changes in the rankings reflect the dynamic nature of competitive badminton, where a single tournament can significantly impact player standings.

Christo Popov jumped three places to reach No. 2, while Chou Tien Chen is up by two places to stand fourth as per the latest rankings update. New World champion Alex Lanier has climbed three places to stand No. 7, while India’s Lakshya Sen is up one place to No. 13 and Ayush Shetty climbed two places to reach No. 20. The upward movement of these players illustrates the intense competition present in the sport and the potential for future surprises as emerging talents continue to challenge established players.

The implications of these rankings extend beyond individual accomplishments. For Treesa and Gayatri, their rise in the rankings could lead to more sponsorship opportunities and increased support from national sports bodies, which can further enhance their training and preparation for future tournaments. Similarly, the performance of Indian players like Ayush Shetty and Lakshya Sen contributes to the overall reputation of Indian badminton, potentially attracting more young athletes to take up the sport and pursue competitive careers.

In conclusion, the achievements of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the future of Indian badminton. Their historic bronze medal at the BWF World Championships not only marks a significant milestone in their careers but also reinforces India's position in the global badminton arena. As the sport continues to evolve and grow in popularity, the contributions of these athletes will undoubtedly pave the way for future generations, ensuring that Indian badminton remains competitive on the world stage.