India, Aug. 7 -- Four of India's brightest badminton prospects, led by Ayush Shetty and Unnati Hooda, are set to make their debut at the BWF World Championships when the tournament returns to India for the first time in 17 years from August 17 to 23.

Joining them are women's doubles pair Simran Singhi and Kavipriya Selvam, who have earned their places after consistent performances on the international circuit.

Ayush, 21, faces the toughest opening-round challenge, taking on defending champion and world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi of China in the men's singles.

The Karnataka shuttler enters the tournament after an impressive season in which he became the first Indian men's singles player since Dinesh Khanna in 1965 to reach the Badminton Asia Champ...