Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu will not participate in the National Games as she has not recovered fully from an ankle injury, but the ace shutter will be present at the opening ceremony. Sindhu, who is on the path to recovery after sustaining an ankle injury during the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, is going to be in Gujarat for the opening ceremony on September 29 along with other sports stars. Badminton action begins in Surat on October 2. "It is unfortunate that I will not be competing in the Games due to my injury. Had I been fit, I would have definitely represented my state (Telangana)," Sindhu said. "The National Games is a great opportunity for all the athletes and everyone I have spoken to is excited about it. I am sure the badminton matches will be very exciting."

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Winner of silver medal in the 2016 Rio Games and bronze in Tokyo Olympics, Sindhu is the flag-bearer of Indian badminton. "It is important that I take care of myself and focus on the challenges ahead in 2023 (Asian Games) and 2024 (Paris Olympics)," she explained. Sindhu's father PV Ramana, himself a volleyball international, said it was unfortunate that she could not compete in the National Games. "She was very keen to compete. Unfortunately, she cannot do so as her next review with the doctors and MRI will be in the first week of October," he said.