Saji Chacko
NEW DELHI: The roar inside New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium said it all. Every smash, every diving save and every point won by Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly was cheered by thousands of passionate Indian fans. Though their dream run ended in the semifinals, the young Indian pair walked away with something priceless — a historic bronze medal at the 2026 BWF World Championships, becoming India’s newest golden girls of badminton. Their achievement marked India’s first women’s doubles medal at the World Championships in 15 years and announced the arrival of a partnership capable of challenging the world’s best.
A Fairytale Run on Home Soil
The duo’s defining moment came in the quarterfinals when they stunned China’s world No. 4 pair Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian in a thrilling comeback victory. After losing the opening game, the Indians fought back brilliantly to win 16-21, 21-15, 21-13. The victory guaranteed India a medal and sent the packed stadium into celebration.
In the semifinal against defending champions Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning, the Indians won the opener. However, the Chinese pair eventually won in three games.
The partnership between Gayatri and Treesa is built on contrasting strengths that complement each other perfectly.
Gayatri Gopichand brings exceptional anticipation, deft net play and tactical awareness. Treesa Jolly provides explosive power from the back court, sharp attacking smashes and excellent reach.
Medal Built on Patience and Belief
Chief national coach Pullela Gopichand revealed that the bronze medal was the result of six weeks of focused preparation rather than luck.
The coaching team worked extensively on tactical discipline, patience during long rallies and improving defensive transitions. The Indians resisted the temptation to attack every shuttle and instead waited for the right opportunities to strike.
At just 23 years of age, Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly have time firmly on their side. The bronze medal in New Delhi is not the destination but the beginning of a new chapter in Indian badminton.
DUO’S RISE
Gayatri is daughter of Indian badminton legend Pullela Gopichand.
Teresa who hails from Kerala forms combination with Gayatri in 2021.
They are multiple-time BWF World Tour finalist and bronze medal at 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The duo wins bronze at the 2026 BWF World Championships in Delhi.
Both are known for their sharp net play, speed, and tactical awareness.