Canada’s Victor Lai found comfort in compatriot Brian Yang cheering him on from the stands as he was locked in battle against Toma Junior Popov on Day 1 of the YONEX-SUNRISE India Open 2026.

Lai eked out a 21-12 16-21 21-8 win over his French opponent, while moments earlier Yang had caused the upset of the day dispatching fourth seed Chou Tien Chen in straight games 21-19 21-11.

Canada’s new crop of badminton players are steadily adding pedigree against their names through consistent performances across categories. Lai’s bronze medal at the TotalEnergies BWF World Championships 2025 was just the ballast it needed to pull it into the right direction.

“It was a huge thing,” Yang said of Lai’s breakthrough. “He’s the first Canadian to get a medal at the BWF World Championships, and it was his, so it was like everything about it was just unbelievable. Since then, a lot of people are putting more respect on Canada’s name in badminton.”

Lai’s own journey was thanks to those before him that have shown the way, including the man cheering him on, as well as Michelle Li, who lost out 12-21 22-20 15-21 to Putri Kusuma Wardani of Indonesia in women’s singles today. Lai credited some of his recent rise to having observed his seniors from close quarters.

“She’s putting Canada on the map every time she plays, kudos to her,” Lai said. “Being able to play these bigger tournaments, I’ve been able to train with her a little bit and just seeing her work ethic, how she trains, and just her focus in training is really inspiring, and she’s also been helping us train, so it’s really nice.”

While Canada’s men’s singles contenders enjoyed a successful day out on court, it was less so for India’s rising star Ayush Shetty, who lost out in straight games to compatriot Lakshya Sen.

→ Results (Day 1)

→ Order of Play (Day 2)

WHAT OTHERS SAID

“I did not change a lot of things because I know it’s hard to recover as my age is catching up. I know that at my age, I have to work more on recovery to be fit. I will try to stay on the BWF World Tour as long as I can. I’m not looking as far as the LA28 Olympics because I know that the younger players in my country are also catching up, and I only wish to stay away from injuries when I play.” – Ratchanok Intanon after her first round win over Riko Gunji

“I wanted to win the match so much of course. For myself, for my confidence as well. And after all the things I’ve been through, I needed this win but it seems like it’s just not enough to close out the end game yet. So I need to accept it and try and get back my confidence back for the Indonesia Master next week. – Lee Zee Jia on his recent struggles with injuries and form after losing in the first round to Rasmus Gemke