Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh shuttler and India No. 3 Mansi Singh is aiming to reclaim the Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta Memorial All-India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament title as BBD Badminton Academy is set to host the 2026 edition from Sept 21-28.The qualifying rounds will be held from Sept 21-24, while the main draw is scheduled from Sept 25-28. The tournament will carry a total prize purse of Rs 10 lakh.Mansi Singh, who won the title last year, said her preparations are on track, though she is managing a packed competition schedule.“My preparation is going well, and my goal is to reclaim the title if I take part in the tournament. I have entered the All-India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament, but I have been playing competitions continuously. Last week, I returned after finishing runner-up at the Indonesia Masters Super 100.”“Next month, I will also play the Malaysia Super 100, which begins on Oct 10. I will have one week to prepare between the All-India Senior Ranking Tournament and the Malaysia Super 100, and I will try to play this tournament,” Mansi said.“Last year, I clinched the title. I will make every effort to compete in this prestigious tournament in my hometown and win the title again. That is my goal,” she added.According to the Badminton Association of India regulations, the main draw will feature a maximum of 64 entries each in men’s singles and women’s singles , 32 entries each in men’s doubles and women’s doubles, and 32 entries in mixed doubles.A large qualifying field is expected, with around 700 to 800 players in men’s singles, approximately 230 shuttlers in women’s singles, nearly 200 players in men’s doubles, around 85 players in women’s doubles and about 160 players in mixed doubles entering the tournament.Uttar Pradesh Badminton Association secretary Sudharma Singh said preparations for the event are underway. “The preparations are in progress, and the courts are being laid,” Singh said.
