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Category: Badminton

HS Prannoy Takes Break from Badminton to Recover from Chikungunya

HS Prannoy Takes Break from Badminton to Recover from Chikungunya

By August 26, 2024 0

Seasoned Indian shuttler HS Prannoy has announced a break from badminton to prioritize his recovery from the debilitating effects of chikungunya. The 32-year-old, a key member of India’s historic Thomas Cup triumph in 2022, has been battling persistent joint pain caused by the mosquito-borne viral disease.

Prannoy’s decision comes after a challenging period marked by a series of illnesses, including a chronic stomach disorder and a nagging back injury. Despite his physical struggles, he displayed remarkable resilience at the Paris Olympics, winning both his Group matches before bowing out in the pre-quarterfinals to compatriot Lakshya Sen.

“Unfortunately, the battle with chikungunya has taken a toll on my body, leaving me with persistent pains that make it impossible to compete at my best,” Prannoy wrote in a statement. “After careful consideration with my team, I’ve decided to withdraw from some of the upcoming tournaments to focus on recovery.”

Prannoy’s absence will be a significant blow to the Indian badminton contingent, which is preparing for a busy schedule of international tournaments. However, the shuttler emphasized his determination to return stronger and expressed gratitude for the support he has received during this challenging time.

“Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time. I’ll be back stronger,” he added.

Prannoy’s decision highlights the importance of prioritizing health and well-being in the pursuit of sporting excellence. While his absence from the badminton circuit will be felt, his commitment to recovery and his unwavering spirit will undoubtedly inspire others.

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Lakshya Sen Undergoes Physical Evaluation in Austria for Enhanced Fitness

Lakshya Sen Undergoes Physical Evaluation in Austria for Enhanced Fitness

By August 25, 2024 0

Lakshya Sen, India’s rising badminton star, has embarked on a journey to Austria to undergo a comprehensive physical evaluation at the renowned Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre in Salzburg. This assessment aims to optimize his fitness and performance ahead of the upcoming BWF circuit tournaments.

The 22-year-old Almora native, who narrowly missed an Olympic medal in Paris, will undergo a series of tests to gain a detailed understanding of his physical capabilities. The evaluation will focus on specific strength aspects, which are crucial for elite athletes.

Lakshya’s trainer, Gaurav, and 15-year-old junior shuttler Nishchal Chand from Uttarakhand will accompany him during his week-long stay in Austria. Chand’s presence will ensure that Lakshya remains sharp and engaged with the game.

Vimal Kumar, Lakshya’s coach, emphasized the importance of this assessment in preventing injuries and maximizing his potential. “Lakshya needs to improve his fitness, especially his speed and endurance,” Kumar said. “The game he plays is fast-paced, and he needs to be able to defend and convert defense into offense effectively.”

Kumar also highlighted the challenges of playing in windy conditions, which require exceptional fitness and the ability to control the drift of the shuttle.

Lakshya’s upcoming tournament schedule includes the Hong Kong Super 500 and China Open Super 1000 in late September. The physical evaluation in Austria is expected to provide valuable insights that will help him prepare for these tournaments and beyond.

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13-Year-Old Tanvi Patri Emerges as India's Badminton Prodigy

13-Year-Old Tanvi Patri Emerges as India’s Badminton Prodigy

By August 25, 2024 0

Thirteen-year-old Tanvi Patri from Odisha has emerged as a rising star in Indian badminton, capturing the girls’ singles title at the U-15 Badminton Asia U-17 & U-15 Junior Championships in Chengdu, China. Her victory marks a significant achievement for India, offering a glimmer of hope amidst recent struggles in the sport.

Patri’s journey to the top began in China, where her parents worked as software professionals. She first picked up badminton at the age of eight and quickly displayed exceptional talent. After returning to India in 2020, she joined the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA) in Bangalore, where she has honed her skills under the guidance of renowned coaches.

In Chengdu, Patri showcased her resilience and determination, fighting back from a deficit in the opening game to secure a 22-20, 21-11 victory over Vietnam’s Thi Thu Huyen Nguyen. Her performance throughout the tournament was flawless, as she did not drop a single game.

Vimal Kumar, Director of PPBA, sees great potential in Patri, comparing her to the early days of P V Sindhu, one of India’s most celebrated badminton players. “She has a long way to go, but with her temperament, she has great potential,” said Kumar.

Patri’s parents, Rabinarayan Patri and Sailabala Panda, have been instrumental in her success. Rabinarayan, who works from home, accompanies Patri to the academy and provides unwavering support.

Patri’s achievements extend beyond the U-15 Badminton Asia Championships. She has also won the U-15 and U-17 girls’ singles titles in the All India sub-junior ranking tournaments and the gold medal in the 35th Sub-Junior National Championships.

Her success has not come without challenges. In 2022, she reached the quarterfinals at the German Junior International in Berlin, but was forced to withdraw due to an injury. However, she has bounced back stronger than ever, proving her determination to reach the highest levels of the sport.

As Patri continues to develop, she is expected to be a strong contender for the 2028 or 2032 Olympics. Her talent, resilience, and unwavering support system make her a promising star in Indian badminton.

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Lakshya Sen's Olympic Journey: From Promise to Missed Opportunity

Lakshya Sen’s Olympic Journey: From Promise to Missed Opportunity

By August 25, 2024 0

Lakshya Sen’s Olympic Journey: A Tale of Promise and Missed Opportunity

At the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024, Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen showcased his immense talent, winning five consecutive matches before falling short in the final two, ultimately finishing fourth in the men’s singles event. Reflecting on his performance, Lakshya has identified a crucial factor that contributed to the shift in momentum during his bronze medal match.

In the semi-final, Lakshya faced eventual gold medalist Viktor Axelsen, leading by five and seven points in the first and second sets, respectively. However, he lost both sets, a setback that he attributes to unforced errors. “In crucial situations, I could’ve played differently,” he admitted. “I didn’t play well at all in the end, and there were a lot of unforced shots. I needed to be a bit more patient.”

In the bronze medal match against Lee Zii Jia, Lakshya won the opening game but lost the subsequent two. He pinpointed a specific area of the court as a contributing factor. “In the second game, that side of the court had some drift,” he explained. “Even after the lead, I knew I couldn’t control the shuttle. And then the momentum suddenly changed, and he started playing better.”

Despite the disappointment of not medaling, Lakshya remains optimistic about the future. “Overall, in how I played, there were some things I was happy and proud about at Paris,” he said. “But this is gonna hurt for some time. I’m looking to add and change a lot of things moving forward.”

Lakshya’s journey at the Paris Olympics serves as a testament to his potential and the challenges he faces. At just 23 years old, he has time on his side to improve and potentially become an Olympic medalist in the future. Even Viktor Axelsen, the reigning Olympic champion, has praised Lakshya’s abilities, predicting that he will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.

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Para Badminton Star Nithya Sre Sivan Aims for Paralympic Glory

Para Badminton Star Nithya Sre Sivan Aims for Paralympic Glory

By August 23, 2024 0

Nithya Sre Sivan, a rising star in para badminton, is determined to make history at the upcoming Paris Paralympics. Despite facing mockery for her short stature in her youth, she has overcome adversity to become a world-class athlete.

Sivan’s journey began in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, where she faced constant ridicule from classmates. However, her unwavering spirit and determination led her to pursue her passion for badminton. In 2016, inspired by the Rio Olympics, she discovered para-badminton and quickly rose through the ranks.

In 2023, Sivan achieved a major milestone by winning a silver and bronze medal at the BWF World Championships in Thailand. This triumph solidified her status as a medal contender at the Paris Paralympics. She will compete in both the SL6 singles and mixed doubles categories, aiming for a golden double.

Sivan’s success has not only brought her personal glory but has also inspired others. She has proven that physical limitations do not define one’s potential. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams.

Sivan’s chief coach, Gaurav Khanna, believes she has the potential to win a medal in Paris. He praises her ability to overcome challenges and her unwavering belief in her abilities. Khanna is confident that the Indian para-badminton team will return from Paris with at least 10 medals, surpassing their previous tally of four at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Sivan’s story is an inspiration to all who face adversity. It demonstrates that with hard work, determination, and a belief in oneself, anything is possible. As she prepares for the Paris Paralympics, Sivan carries the hopes of her nation and the admiration of those who have witnessed her remarkable journey.

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Krishna Nagar: India's Para Badminton Star Ready to Defend Gold in Paris

Krishna Nagar: India’s Para Badminton Star Ready to Defend Gold in Paris

By August 22, 2024 0

Krishna Nagar, India’s para badminton star, has faced countless challenges throughout his life. Despite being bullied for his short stature, he refused to let his dwarfism condition define him. Instead, he found solace in sports, excelling in cricket, football, volleyball, long jump, and sprints.

In late 2017, Krishna’s badminton journey began at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. He made history at the Tokyo Paralympics, becoming only the second Indian after Pramod Bhagat to win a gold medal. Now, as he prepares to defend his title in Paris, the 25-year-old is focused on maintaining composure and playing it safe.

“This is my second Paralympics, and there is some nervousness because it’s a big tournament,” Krishna said. “It’s a dream to participate in such a prestigious event. My main aim is to defend the gold medal and live up to the expectations.”

Standing at about 4 feet 6 inches, Krishna is one of 13 Indian para badminton players set to compete in Paris. Life has not been easy for him even after Tokyo success. An injury threatened to thwart his progress, and losing his mother was a devastating setback.

But the strong-willed athlete has risen above adversity. “Losing my mother was devastating,” he said. “But time heals.”

Krishna’s preparations for Paris have been focused on adapting his style to different conditions and opponents. “The game is evolving, and I’m focusing on adapting my style to different conditions and opponents,” he said. “Whether fast or slow, I need to stay positive, keep the shuttle in play, and execute smashes safely.”

Krishna secured his first para World Championship title in February this year in Thailand, defeating China’s Lin Naili in the final. “It’s crucial to stay positive, play safe, and remain calm,” he emphasized. “There are new players this time, and the competition is tougher. We need to be more agile and play with speed and positivity.”

When asked if the absence of Pramod Bhagat, a five-time world champion, increases the pressure on him, Krishna replied, “Not at all. It’s the blessings and support of the people, the government, PCI, and BAI that have brought us this far. I know Pramod Bhaiya won’t be there this time, but I’ll do my best.”

Krishna acknowledged that Tokyo success redefined his life. “Life has changed completely since then,” he said. “People have started recognizing para badminton and the Paralympics. In Tokyo, it was a big opportunity for us, there was a lot of excitement and curiosity. It was my first time, and I was nervous, but gradually things fell into place.”

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Lakshya Sen Shares Olympic Journey with PM Modi, Reveals Coach's Phone Ban

Lakshya Sen Shares Olympic Journey with PM Modi, Reveals Coach’s Phone Ban

By August 16, 2024 0

Lakshya Sen, India’s rising badminton star, shared his Olympic experience with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a felicitation ceremony at the Prime Minister’s residence on Independence Day. Sen, who made history as the first Indian shuttler to reach the semifinals in men’s badminton at the Olympics, reflected on the challenges and cherished moments of his debut at the Games.

Sen revealed that he had long matches right from the start, which required intense focus. Despite the demands of the competition, athletes made time to socialize, often having dinner and meeting other international athletes. “It was a big thing to share a dining room with some of them,” Sen remarked, emphasizing the meeting with other athletes.

He admitted, “As a first-time Olympian, I was nervous during my initial matches, especially with the pressure of performing in front of a massive crowd. However, as the tournament progressed, I regained confidence and settled into my game.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged Sen’s performance, reminding him, “You are from ‘Devbhumi (Uttarakhand),’ and you are a celebrity now.” The Prime Minister’s words highlighted the pride of the nation in Sen’s achievements, even without a medal.

In response, Sen shared a behind-the-scenes story, mentioning that coach Prakash Padukone took his phone during his matches to help him stay focused. “Prakash Sir had taken away my phone during the matches, and said you won’t get it until the matches are over,” Sen said.

Sen, made history as the first Indian shuttler to reach the semifinals in men’s badminton at the Olympics. He topped his group with victories over top players like Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie and compatriot HS Prannoy in the round of 16. He also stunned Chou Tien-chen in the quarterfinals. But he fell short of bagging his maiden Olympics medal after losing to world no. 1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the semifinal.

Reflecting on the overall support he received, Sen expressed, “It was heartbreaking, coming so close to a win but falling short in the end.”

PM Modi then offered words of encouragement to a shuttler from Almora, stating, “It would have been great if you came back with a medal, but still, you played well. But, people watch with excitement, not just from abroad, but children in our country are inspired by how well you played in the Olympics.”

Sen concluded by expressing his determination to continue improving his game, practicing hard, and serving as an inspiration to young badminton players in India.

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PM Modi Hosts Reception for Indian Olympic Contingent, Praises Athletes' Efforts

PM Modi Hosts Reception for Indian Olympic Contingent, Praises Athletes’ Efforts

By August 16, 2024 0

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a reception for the Indian contingent that participated in the recently concluded Paris Olympics. The event was held after the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort, where the athletes were also in attendance.

During the reception, Modi interacted with the athletes, including Lakshya Sen, who finished fourth in the men’s singles badminton competition. Modi praised Sen’s performance and noted his growth since their first meeting. Sen revealed that his coach, Prakash Padukone, had taken away his phone during the matches to minimize distractions.

Modi also had a light-hearted conversation with hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, who shared the team’s experience of playing with 10 men for over 40 minutes in the quarterfinal against Great Britain. Singh credited the coaching staff and the team’s motivation for their success in overcoming the adversity.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the efforts of all the athletes who represented India and expressed his belief that the Paris Olympics will be a turning point for Indian sports. He emphasized the importance of learning from the experience and using it to prepare for the 2036 Olympics, which India is aiming to host.

Modi termed the athletes as “India’s soldiers of 2036 Olympics” and highlighted the value of their observations and experiences in planning for the future Games. He encouraged them to document their insights to ensure that India can provide the best possible facilities and management for the 2036 Olympics.

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Lakshya Sen's Olympic Heartbreak: India's Medal Hopes Dashed

Lakshya Sen’s Olympic Heartbreak: India’s Medal Hopes Dashed

By August 16, 2024 0

Lakshya Sen’s heartbreaking fourth-place finish at the Paris Olympics 2024 shattered India’s hopes of a badminton medal. The 22-year-old shuttler’s devastating loss to Viktor Axelsen in the semifinals and Lee Zii Jia in the bronze-medal match left a bitter taste in the mouths of Indian fans.

Sen’s journey to the semifinals was nothing short of remarkable. Despite having his first-round win against Kevin Cordon “deleted” due to the Guatemalan’s injury, he fought his way through a series of tough opponents, including Julien Carraggi, Jonatan Christie, HS Prannoy, and Chou Tien-Chen.

However, in the semifinals against Axelsen, Sen’s momentum faltered. He squandered three game points in the first game and a 7-0 lead in the second, handing the match to the Danish star.

A day later, with the bronze medal still within reach, Sen seemed poised to secure a podium finish. He won the first game against Lee, but a disastrous second game, in which he lost nine straight points, opened the door for the Malaysian. Lee capitalized on Sen’s lapse and sealed the victory, ending India’s 12-year streak of winning at least one Olympic medal in badminton.

Sen’s coach, Prakash Padukone, was brutally honest in his assessment of the shuttler’s performance. He urged Lakshya and other Indian players to take more responsibility and highlighted the need for a stricter approach. Padukone’s strictness was evident in his decision to confiscate Sen’s phone during the Olympics.

Despite the disappointment, Sen remains optimistic about the future. He acknowledged the learning experience and expressed his determination to improve. Axelsen himself predicted that Sen could be a strong contender for gold at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

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Indian Para Badminton Team Targets 10 Medals at Paris Paralympics

Indian Para Badminton Team Targets 10 Medals at Paris Paralympics

By August 14, 2024 0

Indian Para Badminton Team Aims for 10 Medals at Paris Paralympics Despite Bhagat’s Suspension

LUCKNOW: The Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) 18-month suspension of Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist Pramod Bhagat for whereabouts failures has not dampened the spirits of the Indian para badminton team bound for Paris. Chief national coach Gaurav Khanna remains confident that the team can win 10 medals, including three golds, at the upcoming Games.

“We were aware of the action against Bhagat and had planned our training accordingly. His absence won’t affect our plans,” Khanna said. “I am sure our shuttlers will win 10 medals, including three golds.”

India won four medals in badminton at the Tokyo Paralympics, including two golds. Since then, Indian players have dominated at the international level, winning over 500 medals, including 18 at the World Championships and 21 at the Asian Para Games.

“We started from scratch three years before Tokyo with no hope of medals. Today, our shuttlers have won over 1000 medals at the national and international levels,” said Khanna, a Dronacharya and Padma Shri awardee.

Seven para-shuttlers have been undergoing intensive training in Lucknow since July, dedicating around 10 hours a day. “It helps us plan our training well and rectify our mistakes,” said Palak Kohli, a 2024 World Championships bronze medalist.

Kohli, who will compete in the women’s singles SL4 category and mixed doubles, said she has learned from the Tokyo Paralympics and is determined to win a medal in Paris. “I have faced many challenges, but I never lost focus on winning. I am confident I will achieve my target this time,” said Kohli.

Khanna praised the team’s hard work and dedication. “We have chalked out our strategy based on our rivals in each category. Every shuttler has been asked to study their opponents’ videos and work on their shortcomings,” he said.

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