New Delhi, Aug. 17 -- Indian men's doubles pair MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan began their BWF World Championships 2026 campaign with a victory on home soil, advancing to the Round of 32 after Ireland's Scott Guildea and Paul Reynolds retired from their opening-round match on Monday at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.

The Indian duo won the opening game 21-16 and led 6-4 in the second when the Irish pair was forced to retire due to an injury.

Reflecting on how the partnership came together, Hariharan credited the coaching staff for pairing him with Arjun and said the combination was built through sustained opportunities.

"I was asked to try with Arjun because our game style was fast. So the coach said to try for four ...