New Delhi, Jan 9 :World Championships silver medallist Kidambi Srikanth Today  said that the upcoming India Open will provide him an opportunity to start his season on a winning note.

The 28-year-old Srikanth has received the top billing in the men’s singles section with world champion Loh Kean Yew and bronze medallist Lakshya Sen also vying for their first India Open crown.

“It’s a long season for all us with the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games scheduled later this year. Starting the season on home turf gives me a perfect opportunity to start the year on a winning note,” said Srikanth.

The USD 400,000 prize money Super 500 event will kickstart the 2022 BWF World Tour season. India Open, organised by the Badminton Association of India (BAI), will kick-off the 2022 international badminton season at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium from January 11 to 16.

The 10th edition of the tournament, which is being held after a gap of two years following the coronavirus outbreak in early 2020, will see participants from 19 countries across five categories vying for the prize purse.

World Championships bronze medallist Lakshya Sen is also keen to leave his mark in his first appearance in the home tournament.

“I have always looked forward to playing the India Open. I had to wait for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic but I am confident of putting my best foot forward this week,” said Sen.

Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist P V Sindhu will lead the charge in the women’s singles section which also has the likes of two-time champion Saina Nehwal, Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan and Singapore’s up and coming Jia Min Yeo.

PV Sindhu, who is the 2017 Champion, said playing without fans would be a bit of a dampener but she was as motivated as anyone to clinch her second tournament title.

“I have always looked forward to playing in New Delhi as India Open has always had full house crowd with great atmosphere as winning a tournament at home is always special for any player,” she said.

Due to the Covid-19 related restrictions, strict protocol are followed and all players have to go through mandatory tests before entering the venue as the main draw start from January 11.

BAI General Secretary and Organizing Secretary Ajay Singhania expressed delight that the tournament was going ahead and was confident that the tournament will be a grand success like the earlier editions.

“The India Open has become an important event on the BWF calendar and we are delighted that the new season will kick start from here. We have taken all possible precautions for the safety of the players and officials,” he said.(UNI)