New Delhi, July 19 (PTI): Indian players have drawn tough opponents in the world badminton championship to be held in Birmingham from July 28 to August 3.

Men’s national champion Abhinn Shyam Gupta faces third seed Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia. India’s Nikhil Kanetkar, ranked 66, will play world No. 21 Peter Rasmussen of Denmark.

Among women, national champion Aparna Popat, ranked 35, will meet No. 25 Wan Ting Ling of Hong Kong. Trupti Murgunde, who got a last minute entry, will take on Spain’s top player Dolores Marco.

In men’s doubles, Jaseel P. Ismail and Jaison Xavier begin against ninth-seed Tadashi Ohtsuka and Keita Masuda of Japan. V. Diju and Sanave Thomas take on Sudket Prapakomal and Patapol Ngernsrisuk of Thailand.

In women’s doubles, Shruti Kurien and Jwala Gutta will play Johanna Persson and Elin Bergblom of Sweden.