Nehwal battled for 58 minutes before going down 16-21, 21-17, 21-23, to Phittayaporn Chaiwan

It was here that Olympic silver medallist Sindhu had claimed the world championship gold in 2019, her last title before the COVID-19 pandemic disruption.

The tournament is scheduled to be played in Birmingham from March 17-21.

Despite hectic travelling and busy schedule, love found its way in the lives of these famous couples in Indian sports

India is celebrating its 72nd Republic Day, the day its Constitution came into force in 1950.

This was their 12th meeting, and PV Sindhu has extended the head-to-head lead 11-1

The Indian players seemed to struggle with their fitness as none of them could cross the second round at the Thailand Open, the first event of the Asia leg

Saina managed to grab the opening game but ran out of steam in the end, losing 23-21 14-21 16-21 in a match that clocked 68 minutes

Nehwal eased past her first round opponent Selvaduray in straight games, while Srikanth beat compatriot Sourabh Verma; Kashyap chose to retire after he pulled his calf muscle

Earlier, chaos gripped India's campaign when Saina Nehwal was forced out of the Thailand Open following a positive COVID-19 test