PV Sindhu, India’s two-time Olympic medalist, is considered an “underdog” for the upcoming Paris Olympics, according to former Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap. However, Kashyap emphasizes that Sindhu’s reputation and big-match experience will make opponents wary of her.
Despite not being in top form since recovering from a knee injury, Sindhu’s Olympic pedigree and past achievements give her an edge. Kashyap believes that opponents will be cautious when facing her, even if her recent form suggests otherwise.
Since the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Sindhu has faced challenges with injuries and inconsistent performances. However, Kashyap highlights her attacking style and fitness level as strengths that make her a formidable opponent in major events.
In the men’s singles category, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are considered title contenders for India. Kashyap believes their success in the Asian Games, Asian Championships, and World Championships makes them one of the favorites for the gold medal.
Their main competitors are expected to be the Chinese and Korean pairs. Kashyap notes that the Chinese pair has recently defeated Satwik-Chirag, while the Koreans have also posed a challenge.
HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen are seen as “dark horses” in the men’s singles draw. Kashyap praises Lakshya’s performance in the All-England final and his qualification for the Olympics despite a tough period. He also highlights Prannoy’s multiple Super Series wins and medal-winning performances in the World Championships and Asian Games.
Both Prannoy and Lakshya have proven their ability to perform under pressure, especially in big matches. Kashyap believes they have the potential to upset higher-ranked opponents and progress in the tournament.
