Asia Mixed Team Championships 2023: China beats Korea to win Gold

Asia Mixed Team Championships 2023: China beats Korea to clinch the gold medal

China has defended its title. The champions beat Korea 3-1 in the Asia Mixed Team Championships 2023 to clinch the gold medal. The badminton tournament being played in Dubai also saw India winning the bronze medal.

After a couple of narrow 3-2 wins over Malaysia and India in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, China made slightly easier work of South Korea in the final. Women’s doubles pairing Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning secured the decisive point as a Chinese line-up, missing most of their top players, came out on top.

 

After beating HS Prannoy, China’s Lei Lanxi beat Lee Yun-gyu comfortably to take the opening game in the singles game. Lee led 10-6 in the first game, but Lei – ranked 121 in the world – won the last six points from seven to take it 21-16.

The Chinese then secured four consecutive points in game two to hold an 11-7 advantage at the interval and stayed clear to seal a 21-16, 21-15 victory in the Asia Mixed Team Championships 2023 tournament.

In the women’s singles, Gao Fangjie took another big scalp to double China’s lead, defeating Kim Ga-eun 21-15, 21-15. The Chinese women’s doubles team won 21-11, 21-10, which saw poor defending from the Korean players early in the game.

Additionally, India, who lost 3-2 to China, and Thailand, who lost 3-1 to Korea, picked up the bronze medals.

The longest badminton rallies of all time

The longest badminton rallies of all time

Badminton is a challenging sport. It is a contest of talent, agility, and accuracy. The game continues until one player scores the required number of points or until a player quits or retires in the middle of the court due to injury or exhaustion and is unable to continue. It is a treat for the fans to see long challenging rallies in badminton. The audience is kept on the edge of their seats when the shutters can each other in a difficult rally. Let’s have a look at some of the most extended badminton rallies of all time. 

Here are the details about the five longest-running badminton rallies of all time are:

Mathias Boe vs Carsten Mogensen, 49 shots at the 2012 Thomas Cup Finals 

The longest badminton rally of all time is believed to have been between Denmark’s Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen at the 2012 Thomas Cup Finals, lasting for an incredible 49 shots. Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen’s 49-shot badminton rally at the 2012 Thomas Cup Finals is widely considered to be the longest badminton rally of all time. Both players showed incredible endurance and skill, with the rally lasting for over two minutes. The final shot was ultimately won by Carsten Mogensen with a powerful smash. 

The match between Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen took place on May 27th, 2012, at the Wuhan Sports Center in China. It was during the Thomas Cup Finals and was a crucial match in determining who would win the tournament. The rally began with Boe serving, and after 49 shots, Mogensen finally claimed victory. The rally was so impressive that it became legendary among badminton fans and as such, is still remembered to this day. 

Both the players were very much impressed with their top-level performance in the specific rally. 

Here is what they had to say about it: 

“It was a sublime exhibition of how badminton should be played. Every shot was a reflection of great sporting excellence.” – Carsten Mogensen

“It is one of those incredible rallies that people still talk about and will never forget.” – Mathias Boe.

Lee Yong Dae vs Zhang Nan, 46 shots at the All England Open 2014

The 46-shot rally between Lee Yong Dae and Zhang Nan at the 2014 All England Open is still considered to be one of the longest badminton rallies of all time. The match began with Zhang Nan serving, and he and Lee Yong Dae engaged in an intense back-and-forth, lasting for just over two minutes. Ultimately, Zhang Nan emerged victorious with a striking net shot. 

The match between Lee Yong Dae and Zhang Nan took place on March 8th, 2014 at the All England Open in London. It was a thrilling match that captivated the audience as the two players battled it out in an intense rally. In the end, Zhang Nan’s powerful net shot ended the rally, with Lee Yong Dae’s exhausted shots just barely missing their mark. Spectators and badminton fans around the world hailed the rally as one of the best they had seen. 

Here is what the players had to say about the exceptional rally: 

“That was probably one of the greatest rallies I have ever seen. It was a real display of skill and endurance.” – Zhang Nan 

“It was an incredibly intense and thrilling rally. I am honored to have been part of it.” – Lee Yong Dae 

Kento Momota vs Shi Yuqi, 44 shots at the 2016 Sudirman Cup 

The 44-shot rally between Kento Momota and Shi Yuqi at the 2016 Sudirman Cup is one of the longest in badminton history. The rally began with Kento Momota serving, and the two players exchanged a series of intense shots that lasted just over two minutes. In the end, it was Shi Yuqi who emerged victorious with a smashing drop shot. The match between Kento Momota and Shi Yuqi took place on May 21st, 2016, at the 2016 Sudirman Cup in Kunshan, China. It was an incredible match that had the crowd on their feet as the two players pushed each other to the limits. In the end, Shi Yuqi won the rally, proving his superiority over his Japanese opponent. 

Here is what the players had to say about the rally: 

“It was an incredible performance from both players. It showed us just how high the level of badminton can be.” – Kento Momota 

“The rally was an amazing spectacle to watch. Both players pushed each other to their limits and it was truly a privilege to witness it.”- Shi Yuqi 

Kidambi Srikanth vs Lee Dong Keun, 42 shots at the China Masters 2018 

The 42-shot rally between India’s Kidambi Srikanth and South Korea’s Lee Dong Keun at the 2018 China Masters falls under one of the longest badminton rallies of all time. The match started with Lee Dong Keun serving, and the interesting tussle between the two shutters lasted for just over two minutes. Eventually, Kidambi Srikanth emerged victorious with a formidable cross-court smash. The match between Kidambi Srikanth and Lee Dong Keun took place on October 14th, 2018 at the China Masters in Fuzhou. 

Here is what the players had to say about the rally:

“That was some of the most intense badminton I have seen. Both players gave it their all, and it was truly a pleasure to watch.” – Kidambi Srikanth 

“It was an incredible display of skill and endurance from both players. It was truly a spectacle that will go down in history.” – Lee Dong Keun 

Ratchanok Intanon vs Lindaweni Fanetri, 41 shots at the World Championships 2013 

At the 2013 World Championships, Ratchanok Intanon and Lindaweni Fanetri of Indonesia engaged in a 41-shot rally that is still regarded as one of the longest in badminton history. Ratchanok Intanon served to start the match, which was followed by a fast-paced intense battle that lasted just over two minutes. Ultimately, Lindaweni Fanetri won thanks to a strong net shot. 

At the World Championships in Guangzhou, China, on August 10, 2013, Ratchanok Intanon and Lindaweni Fanetri faced off. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the contest progressed because it was so exciting. In the end, Lindaweni Fanetri defeated the Thai player by winning the game with a strong net shot. Fans of badminton all around the world still talk about the rally because it was so intense. 

Here is what the players had to say about the rally: 

“That was an incredible match. Both players showed immense skill and endurance throughout and it was truly something to behold.” – Lindaweni Fanetri

“The match between Ratchanok Intanon and Lindaweni Fanetri is one that will go down in history. It was a thrilling display of badminton at its highest level.” – Ratchanok Intanon

Smashing Techniques in Badminton you must know

Smashing Techniques in Badminton every player must know

If you have been playing badminton and have reached a good level, this is the right time to learn the smashing technique. This is a great way to show some power in your game, making your opponent understand that you are a tough player. The best thing is that there is no defense for this shot which makes it unique compared to all the other shots played. 

What is smashing? 

A Smash shot is taken by jumping in the air and hitting the shuttle with good force. This shot can be played well if the speed and direction of the shuttlecock are kept in mind, as it has to fall inside the court. It is done nicely when the cock is higher in the air as it will allow the player to hit it harder, and the angle of the cock will be downwards. This shot is much more difficult for the opponent to attempt because of the pace of the shuttlecock and the downward facing of it. 

  • Use your wrist, thumb, and shoulder to make the most out of this shot while extending your arm. 
  • To ensure that your smash shot lands perfectly, take a long deep breath so that your body releases all the stress in midair, which will lead to the smash having more energy and power. 
  • There is a concept among professionals called “injection of pace,” which means that while going for the smash shot, players should go toward it faster. 

Smashing techniques in Badminton every player must know

In this article, we will discuss three techniques of smashing in badminton that every badminton player must know of and use during play. The first being; 

Forehand Smash Technique 

man in white and red crew neck t-shirt and black shorts playing basketball

This kind of smash is also called an overhead smash. A player hits this by keeping the tempo inclined downwards. It is one of the oldest smashing techniques in the history of badminton.

Forehand smash can be perfected by those who are into cricket as well as those who know how to throw a ball with brilliant pace and angle then this will be perfected by them. It can be compared similarly to throwing a ball straight. 

This is not as simple as it seems, as few badminton tricks are essential to know while trying this shot. Here, angle and posture play an essential role in getting the shot right, so the opponent finds it difficult to hit it back. 

How to play it? 

  • Start by raising your non-racket hand and aligning it above your chin. This will help you to get a nice angle while taking this shot. It is essential to get this shot right, even if it seems unrelated, as this step will ensure that your direction and pace are right. 
  • For good balancing, make sure that you are keeping most of the weight towards your rear foot. You can be careful by doing this, as it will save you from attempting a self-shot or getting a foul play. 
  • Your elbows should be kept straight. That will aid the racket to have a good fly in this shot. Keep your knees slightly bent while taking this shot, and your racket foot should be forward. 
  • Be on your toes with a ready mindset that will make your body act accordingly to take the forehand smash and have a strong forehand grip to see the results.

Backhand Smash Technique 

Badminton Asia Championships: Zii Jia among Malaysians reaching last eight | Stadium Astro - English

Creator: Zac Goodwin – PA Images | Credit: PA Images via Getty Images Copyright: PA Wire/PA Images

This smashing technique is difficult to crack, but if done rightly, it can be immensely useful. Experts also avoid this smash if they can, as it is not everybody’s deal to get this right. Let’s look at how to attempt this shot. 

How to attempt the shot: 

  • It is necessary to get the backhand grip because it is a challenging task to achieve. For this move, the racket should flow swiftly from the forehand to the backhand grip. For this smash, it is important to know the shots, angle, and swings perfectly, which means that the players have to ensure that all their senses are open to master the backhand smash. 
  • If possible, it is advised to go with the forehand shot rather than take this one, as the moment this smash is played should be chosen very carefully. It is good to avoid the risk of taking this shot until it is necessary. As a backhand smash can be difficult for your opponent to attempt, it is much tougher for you to handle it because it needs the right angle and pace to do so. 
  • Your body should be turned so your back is facing the net. You should do this step in seconds so that it is to be done quickly. In this, the balance should be weighted on the racket foot, as in this smashing technique, balance is of the essence. 
  • The racket head should be directed downwards as the racket should be kept overhead. You should ensure that your pace and mindset are set correctly to take the smash perfectly. If the grip is more powerful, it is understood that the smashing will also be of great power. This smash requires the players to return swiftly after hitting the preceding shot, as all of this is done in lightning-fast movements. 
  • For this smash, the angles of the shot should be perfect for taking it beautifully, or else it can ruin the entire game.

Jumping smash technique 

Image of Image of new badminton player attempting jump smash in multi shuttle strokes practice-EM653119-Picxy

In this technique, you have to jump higher and take the shot. This badminton smashing technique is great for releasing anger, as it requires a lot of power to get this shot. 

How to take this shot: 

  • This smashing technique requires a good understanding of timing. It all happens in seconds as it makes the opponent’s games weak by giving them less time to react to the shot. 
  • Injection of pace again plays a huge role here as it is necessary to hit the cock harder depending on how it is. 
  • Forehand grip is better to take this smashing technique which will aid in a great balance and a comfortable grip. 
  • Jumping results in the body getting tighter. For this, it is important to loosen it and have a firm stance to ensure that the return is faster. 
  • Your legs should be kept straight, while your knees should be slightly bent. The racket arm should be stretched as far as the player can so that there is some tempo in the shot. The non-racket arm also plays a bigger role because you have to keep it at your rib cage level, and when in midair, that hand should come sideways, which would then be straightened by the elbows. 
  • With the racket foot of the player, you have to drive in the downward direction. If you want a smooth jump, take a deep breath and exhale while hitting the smash.
  • If you need balance, keep your racket foot facing forward. For this shot, you must be conscious and alert to ensure that there is not even a second that goes to waste. 

Conclusion 

If you want to surprise your opponent, it can be done by disguising the shot. This will make your opponent miss the shot, giving you more points in return. These smashing techniques are not easy to attempt, but they can be done perfectly through training and immense practice. If you want to be like a pro player, it can be beneficial for you to watch some videos explaining smashing and various other ways to do it in detail. Focus and accuracy in smashing play a bigger role as well.

YONEX Astrox 77 Pro

Review: YONEX Astrox 77 Pro Badminton Racket

What’s up, badminton fans? Enjoyed the YONEX Sunrise India Open? Well, I am sure most of you must be dejected by the Indian team’s performance at the high-profile tournament. But, at the same time, some of you might have been motivated by the spirited performance of great shuttlers like Viktor Axelsen and An Se Young.

Are you one of the aspiring shuttlers who wants to try their hand at a badminton racket? Or are you the one looking to upskill your gameplay with a better badminton racket?

The solution is YONEX Astrox 77 Pro Badminton Racket. The Astrox 77 Pro is by far the oldest of the Astrox models. If I remember correctly, this was the first racket Yonex made for the Astrox series. 

badminton racket of YONEX

In this review, we will be having a detailed look at the YONEX Astrox 77 Pro Badminton Racket. 

Which player uses the YONEX Astrox 77 Pro Badminton Racket?

The YONEX Astrox 77 Pro badminton racket is used by many famous players. One of them is Chen Yufei –the  2021 Tokyo Olympics Gold Medal Winner. She is the reigning Olympic champion. 

The badminton racket is also used by Kento Momota, the Japanese badminton player who was widely known for his skillful and relentless gameplay. He has won several major badminton tournaments, including two World Championships titles, two Asian Championships titles, and one All-England title.

Additionally, the YONEX Astrox 77 Pro Badminton Racket is also used by An Se Young, Huang Ya Qiong, and Huang Dong Ping.

Let’s look closely at the Pros and Cons of the YONEX Astrox 77 Pro Badminton Racket.

Pros of the Astrox 77 Pro

Developed for aggressive play, the Astrox 77 Pro racquet is designed to dominate every match. The head-heavy Astrox 77 Pro is a step up from the original model. This badminton racket has gone from using a blend of high-modulus graphite nanometric tungsten to high-modulus graphite and their relatively new NAMD graphite. 

YONEX astrox 77 badminton racke

It also differs from the Astrox 77 by having an energy boost cap that enhances the racket snapback to generate even more power. The YONEX badminton racket has an elongated shaft for more flex, improving smash performance. It also has a super slim shaft that reduces air resistance. Another plus point of the racket is the aero+box frame; the box part helps in power-hitting, and the aero part is used for faster movement.

Most of the features present in Astrox 77 are also available in the Astrox 77 Pro badminton racket, including the Isometric frame shape, rotational generator system, and super slim shaft. 

Developed for aggressive players, the YONEX Astrox 77 Pro Badminton Rackets are designed to dominate every match.

Cons of the Astrox 77 Pro

Although there aren’t many cons to the YONEX Astrox 77 Pro, the badminton racket feels quite stiff and has a head-heavy balance. Also, the badminton racket fails to generate power due to its stiffness. 

Overall Rating

Overall, the YONEX Astrox 77 Pro Badminton Racket scores heavily on power, control, and speed, garnering an average of 9 out of 10 in our ratings.

If you love to smash, then the YONEX Astrox 77 Pro Badminton Racket is the perfect racket for you. Get your hands on the hottest badminton racket from the Astrox series. Exclusively available on God of Sports.

badminton brand YONEX

YONEX to set up another production facility in India

Leading badminton brand YONEX has announced that it will set up another production facility in India to boost the production of high-quality graphite racquets in the country, a move that will bring the cost of full-body racquets down considerably.

Ben Yoneyama, chairman of YONEX, announced the move at a YONEX Sunrise press conference in New Delhi. He said, “Thomas Cup champion India. I didn’t expect it! The level is going up. We are desperate to contribute to the Indian badminton growth. Now we will be making graphite, Japan standard racquets in India.”

 

Pullela Gopichand, a stalwart of Indian badminton, stated, “YONEX Sunrise has made a huge difference to Indian badminton. Their support was instrumental in India winning the first Olympics Medal at 2012. YONEX has been an integral part of India’s success story in world badminton,”

Yoneyama further added, “A lot of Indian players are performing really well on the world stage, encouraging more to take up the sport. We want to cater to that audience and provide the highest Japanese quality equipment to further the sport’s development.” With the new facility, YONEX aims to amplify the production of existing T-joint racquets from 1 million to 2.5-3 million per year.

Leading badminton brand YONEX had set up a world-class production facility in Bengaluru. This marks the brand’s second production facility in India. The second factory is expected to start production by April, within a year of India’s Thomas Cup triumph.

Best 5 badminton rackets available in the market

The Best Badminton Rackets Available in the Market (as per your gameplay)

Badminton is a game that requires immense skills and power in a player. To nail this sport, ample practice requires lots of focus and regular training. Despite all this, the tools essential to play this game are very different, as the badminton racket comes with different powers and features. If you want to see which badminton racket is best, read further to get a detailed description. 

While buying a badminton racket, we consider a lot of points. From price to stability, a buyer will take into consideration all the points and then make a decision. This is true when it comes to professional players. But what about the newbies? Don’t worry; Team God of Sports is here. Take a look at the tips to keep in mind before buying a badminton racket.

Which points to remember when you are purchasing a badminton racket?

1. Balance Point or overall weight of Racket:

Head Heavy Racket: A head-heavy racket means the weight shift towards the head. Head Heavy rackets will give you more power due to the momentum generated from heavier racket heads.

Head Light Racket: A Head Light balance means the weight shifts less towards the head (towards the grip). A headlight racket will give you more manoeuvrability but less power.

For starters, always go for the Even-Balanced racket rather than the Head-Heavy or Head-Light racket. Once you know your type, you can always replace your racket according to your suitability.

2. Head Shape:

Isometric: An isometric racket gives you a larger sweet spot, hence making it easier for you to hit a shot efficiently.

Oval: An oval-headed racket has a smaller sweet spot, but if the sweet spot hits, it gives you a slightly more concentrated power.

An isometric racket is easier to play with than an oval racket, as it gives you a larger sweet spot. Nowadays, 90% of rackets are made of Isometric shape.

Want to read the other tips you should keep in mind before buying a badminton racket? Read this article.

Which racket is perfect for your game style? 

For beginners 

Senston Professional Woven Badminton racket 

  • Those who have just started playing this game should go for this racket, as it can give you a grand opening. 
  • Badminton racket lightweight and affordable is this racket’s advantage. It is advised to beginners not to play with a badminton racket head heavy as they will not be used to the weight, which can affect their hand movements. 
  • It is made up of epoxy resin plastic. The resin in this badminton racket gives it stability, and the power is immense during the game. 
  • The grip is excellent for beginners as it is non-slip, which helps with comfort as beginners are not used to the grip yet. 

For intermediates 

Babolat Satelite Gravity 74 Badminton Racket 

  • This has been discussed above. The Babolat Satelite Gravity 74 Badminton Racket is used for intermediate players in the game. The best feature is that it is lightweight and preferred for defensive play. 
  • It gives a nice whip as it is light in weight. Because of this reason, it is advised for beginners not to play with it. 
  • The speed and manoeuvrability are immense and come with slim T technology.

For advanced-level players

Yonex Nanoflare 800 Badminton Racket 

YONEX nanoflare 800

  • This racket is to be used for the aggressive game as it is light-headed. This is seen in the hands of professional players. This racket can handle rapid-fire play as it is equipped to do it at an advanced level. 
  • The reason for its high performance is due to the single-pass grommet hole which is on the frame. There is a feature of Nanoflare in the razor frame, which helps the racket to reduce air resistance irrespective of any angle. 
  • It can perform faster swings. This racket gives high-level accuracy as there is stiffness in the flex of the Yonex Nanoflare 800. 

Other Notable Mentions: 

The above were the 5 best rackets according to us. Now, if you want some good suggestions for the rackets with their features, continue reading further. 

For Beginners 

Li-Ning 3D CALIBAR X Boost Badminton Racket

  • This racket is known to have a flexible shaft, and the weight is seen as modern, which gives perfect balance. Li-Ning’s MPCF Reinforcing Technology bolsters it.
  • The MPCF has numerous layers of carbon fiber combined with the handicraft that helps to strengthen and aids the durability and intensity of this badminton racket. 
  • It is designed to have high performance as there is a high-tech geometric design. 
  • For beginners, it is the best option as there is high power in this badminton racket. It is made out of wood and has a rubber grip. The head is created from steel. 
  • It is lightweight and can be carried easily, which is why it is suitable for beginners. For Intermediates 

Adidas Kalkül A3 Legend Ink Strung 

  • This racket has a medium flexible handle, and the balance on the head is seen as light. 
  • Intermediate players use it for a defensive style of game. There is an excellent balance between power and control while using this racket. 
  • The weight of this is 82 grams, and due to the string pattern of compressor 76, there are more strings in a frame. This ensures that the racket has reasonable control. 
  • The T-Lok system is combined with the Slim 6.5 shaft, which gives excellent stability to the racket. This will make your every shot more precise than ever. 

For Expert Level Players

Adidas Wucht P8 Raw Badminton Racket

  • This racket is known to be the most challenging, extremely powerful, and advanced in its technology compared to the others. Wucht P8 is an optimum option for various players as it is made for advanced professional players who love to play offence in the game.
  • It is suitable for heavy hitters in types of games like singles, doubles, and mixed play. 
  • The shaft stiff is known to be highly rigid, and the accessibility in power. The head is heavy but not overpowering, so beginners are not advised to play with it as they cannot handle the weight. 
  • The racket is very durable and stable. It has numerous sweet spots in the racket, which is why it is considered the professional’s favourite. If you are searching for an attacking racket, this is your ideal choice.

All-rounders

Yonex Duora Z Strike Badminton Racket

YONEX duora

  • The Yonex Duora Z Strike Badminton Racket is an offensive racket that gives the best power, control, and speed, which provides any player with an upper hand in the tactical sector of this game on the courts. The Yonex Duora Z Strike Badminton Racquet has impressive features as it is beautiful for all-around games. 
  • It is made keeping in mind cutting-edge technology as there are two frame shapes that are merged into one, as it has impressive forehands and quick backhands. 
  • Players who are fond of speed and power should definitely go for this, as it gives both in the game. 
  • With Duora, Grommet design features are made, keeping the various thickness that is observed on both sides of the racket frame. 
  • It has an extra thin shaft which is the most delicate and the most robust shaft that is ever produced by this company. Due to this, every shot can be seen to have more intensity and a more decisive shot. 

What is the best badminton racket in 2023? 

Victor Jet Speed S 12 F G5 Speed Series Unstrung Badminton Racket 

  • This racket is quite expensive, but every penny is worth the money spent on it. It has been used by numerous famous players like Chae Yoo Jung, Sung Ji Hyun, and Kim Ha Na.
  • It is known to be around the globe as it is used for tournaments by the professionals in this port. The design of the Victor Jet Speed S 12 F G5 Speed Series Unstrung Badminton Racket has a well-balanced feature. It has a handy towel grip for a badminton racket, and its performance is heavyweight in nature. 
  • Let’s get into the specifications of this racket to understand it in detail. It is manufactured by the brand Victor. The weight of this racket is 89.9 grams, and the grip size is 121 mm. It is made up of graphite material. The shape is isometric. 

Positives 

  1. The quality of this racket is unmatchable by any, and it has an in-built connector.
  2. It is made up of hard-core technology. The high-resilient modulus graphite makes it one of a kind. 
  3. The balance is even for a consistent performance in the game. 

Negatives 

  1. It is costly, and this racket comes unstrung, which implies more money and utilization of time will be required to put it together. 

With so many options to go for, choosing a racket suitable for your game style is essential. Different features are included for beginners, intermediate and advanced rackets, which is why selecting the right one wisely can significantly impact your game. So, the next time you are going to buy badminton equipment, keep in mind these points to get the best result out of the product.

Top 5 great badminton players of all time and their rackets

How good is a warrior without his weapon? The warrior might possess every ability to rule the world but he can not do it without his sword. Similarly, every sportsperson requires his/her gears to dominate their opposition. Every top batter personally crafts their bat as per their needs, every footballer wants a personalized stud. It is extremely necessary for athletes to have their sporting gear as required and they only choose the best for them. 

Similarly, badminton players have specific preferences when choosing their racquet. Every badminton has different features like weight, grip size, and head. The top players in the business make sure to play with the racquet which suits their ability the most. Let’s have a look at the top 5 great badminton players in the world and the badminton racquets that they use. 

Top 5 great badminton players and their racquets 

1) Kento Momota 

Kento Momota is a Japanese badminton superstar who is currently ranked 10 in the BWF world rankings. Momota is known for his fearsome quick attacking skill on the court. He is also great with his lethal swings, which puts the opposition in a worrying situation. Momota has tasted glory in almost every championship he has featured in like the All-England Badminton Tournaments and World & Asian Championships. Momota was the first Japanese men’s singles player to grab World number 1 in the BWF World ranking in 2018. 

TOKYO, JAPAN – AUGUST 24: Kento Momota of Japan competes in the Men’s Singles Second Round match against Prannoy H. S. of India on day three of the BWF World Championships at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on August 24, 2022, in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images)

Kento Momota uses Yonex Astox 99 Racquet. This racquet is for the shutters who want to dominate the court with dynamic smashes. The racquet helps with getting the accuracy that a player demands in his smashes. 

“Yonex Astox 99” Details: 

  1. Head: Square/Isometric 
  2. Grip Size: G5 
  3. Weight: 4U (80-84g) / 3U (85-90g) 
  4. Balance: Head Heavy 
  5. Flex: Stiff 
  6. String Tension: 4U (20-28 lbs) / 3U (21-29 lbs) 
  7. String Used: Yonex BG80 Power Badminton String 

2) Srikanth Kidambi 

Srikanth Kidambi, is undoubtedly, one of the greatest Indian badminton players to date. He has proudly represented India globally with back-to-back glories in the Gold Coast. Kidambi won a Gold medal in the 2018 Commonwealth games and recently clinched bronze in the 2022 edition. Srikanth was awarded the “Parma Shri” in 2018 and has also won numerous titles in “BWF Badminton Tournaments.”

India’s Srikanth Kidambi hits a shot to India’s Lakshya Sen Sindhu during the men’s singles semi-final badminton match of the BWF World Championships in Huelva, on December 18, 2021. (Photo by JOSE JORDAN / AFP) (Photo by JOSE JORDAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Kidambi uses the Li-Ning Turbo Charging 75 racquet which matches perfectly with his game style. Kidambi prefers the attacking style of play and the racquet sits perfectly with it. Kidambi was a loyal user of Yonex until his contract with the company came to an end. 

“Li-Ning Turbo Charging 75” details: 

  1. Head: Isometric 
  2. Weight: 85-89g 
  3. Balance: Head Even 
  4. Flex: Medium 
  5. String Tension: 20-30 lbs 
  6. String Used: Li-Ning No.1 String 

3) P.V. Sindhu 

P.V. Sindhu is one of the most renowned badminton players in the world. Sindhu has made history in every tournament she has played in. She has won accolades in the Olympics and in BWF as well. Sindhu won gold at the 2019 World Championships. Sindhu is the only Indian shutter to become the badminton world champion and only the second Indian athlete to win two back-to-back medals at the Olympic Games. She reached the highest ranking of no. 2 in 2017. 

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – AUGUST 08: Pusarla Venkata Sindhu of Team India plays a shot against Michelle Li (Not pictured) of Team Canada during the Badminton Women’s Singles – Gold Medal Match on day eleven of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games at NEC Arena on August 08, 2022 on the Birmingham, England. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

P.V. Sindhu uses the “N9 Li-Ning Racquet.” The racquet is mainly designed for attacking and offensive players who desire to dominate their opponents. 

“N9 Li-Ning” details: 

  1. Head: Isometric 
  2. Weight: 85-89g 
  3. Grip: G2 
  4. Balance: Head Heavy 
  5. Flex: Medium 
  6. String Tension: 24-28 lbs 
  7. String Used: Li-Ning No.1 String 

4) Parupalli Kashyap 

Parupalli Kashyap is a former World No.6 shuttler. Kashyap was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2012 by the Government of India. Parupalli Kashyap was the first Indian male player to reach the quarter-finals of men’s singles at the 2012 London Olympics. He also won Gold at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games in the men’s singles competition. Kashyap was named the Icon player for Banga Beats in the Indian Badminton League in 2013. He is also the husband of the famous Indian badminton player Saina Nehwal. 

Photo Credit: Olympics.com

Parupalli Kashyap has grinded his way to the top. Kashyap is known to be a hard worker on the court and his racquet supports him in every situation. Kashyap uses a Yonex Arcsaber 11 Racquet which Is known to be one of the best in the business.

“Yonex Arcsaber 11” details: 

  1. Head: Square/Isometric 
  2. Weight: 85-89gm 
  3. Flex: Stiff 
  4. Grip Size: G4 
  5. Balance: Head Even 
  6. String Used: Yonex BG-65 

5) Sai Praneeth 

Sai Praneeth is one of the best Indian shutters in the world. Sai Praneeth was the first Indian male badminton player who won a bronze medal in the BWF World Championships in 36 years after Prakash Padukone in 1983. Sai Praneeth achieved the feat in 2019. Sai Praneeth was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 2019.

Photo Credit: Flickr

Sai Praneeth is known for his fearless and fast-paced playing style. Praneeth relies a lot on his smashes and has been using the racquet which matches his style of play. Sai Praneeth uses the “Yonex Voltric Z-Force II” racquet. 

“Yonex Voltric Z-Force II” details 

  1. Head: Square/Isometric 
  2. Weight: 80-84gm 
  3. Flex: Extra Stiff 
  4. Grip Size: G4 
  5. Balance: Head Heavy 
  6. String Used: Yonex BG-65 

So, these were the top 5 badminton players and their preferred racquets. Which one among them is your favourite?

How to take care of your badminton racket?

The racquet is the most important tool for a badminton player. Every player, be it a professional-level athlete or just a beginner, needs to take care of their racquet to maintain their form. It is very difficult to find the perfect badminton as per your strengths and weakness. Adding to that, a good quality badminton racquet does not come for cheap. So taking utmost care of the racquet is very important. 

Changing the strings of the racquet and keeping the badminton clean is one of the few steps to maintain it. However, there are a couple of other things as well which you need to learn in order to keep your badminton in top condition. If you learn these steps it will be easier to keep your racquet ready whenever a vital match is coming up. 

1) Maintain the strings 

Your badminton is only as good as its strings. To make your badminton give you 100% performance on the court, it is very crucial to change its strings at regular intervals. An uneven string tension or a broken string can put your entire effort on the drain. The strings are the first things to be checked in the racquets. You need to remember to constantly restring your badminton at regular intervals to ensure full use of the racquet. The string eventually becomes loose after a while. As advised by the experts, one should restring their racquet after every 2 weeks. However, it also depends upon one’s playing style. 

2) Storage of the Racket 

The lifespan of your racquet also depends majorly on how and where you store it. If you store your badminton casually with other equipment in a backpack, then your badminton will not be at your service for a longer period. Do not leave your badminton in humid conditions. Make sure to place your badminton in a cool dry room where it is cushioned properly. Keep your badminton in a bag of its own. Used a thermal-lined bag while travelling. 

3) Replacing the Grommets 

The grommets on a Badminton are the small black blocks of plastic that are placed around the corners of the racquet head. The strings are pierced through the grommets in order to protect the racquet head. The grommets basically act as a cushion between the frame and the string. The grommets should be replaced immediately once broken or it can damage the frame or the strings of the badminton. 

The grommets usually break near the badminton’s head and body. The strings are in danger to come in direct contact with the frame of the racquets if the grommets are broken. You can increase the life of your strings by simply replacing the grommets on time. A stringer will let you know when it is the right time to change the grommets of your racquets. 

4) Regular replacement of grip tape

A grip tape is essential to maintain your grip on badminton. After every game, the grip tape becomes weaker due to all the sweat in your hand. You should make sure to replace the grip tape every 1 to 2 months, which also depends on the level of your game. Remember to keep the badminton in a dry place before putting it back in the bag after every session. 

5) Racket Frame 

The frame is the most harmed part of badminton as it is always in danger of getting damaged. The frame can get damaged if the racquet is smashed on the ground while playing a shot or a smash. You might throw your badminton out of frustration which might also lead to damaging the frame. It is very important to fix the frame as soon as it gets damaged or it can cause you the entire badminton racquet. 

6) Cracks on the frame 

The cracks on the frame are one of the main reasons which shorten the durability of the badminton racquets. You should look for a crack where there are paint chips. If the impact of the damage is so powerful enough to create a crack, the paint will surely come off. The cracks on the frame are easy to notice as they occur as a thin black line on the frame. However, once the racquets are cracked it becomes difficult to string them. 

7) Don’t exceed the specified tension 

Keep an eye on the maximum allowed tension of our badminton when stretching the racquet strings. You need to make sure to remove every old string when they are broken and stretch them with new ones. Remember to not fix it by rejoining the cords as it will disrupt the racquet’s balance. Overstretched strings can cause warping, distortion or even result into the damaging the racquet.

The best exercises to cool down after a badminton game

How to cool down after a Badminton game?

Giving importance to health has become a necessity in today’s age. What can be much better than getting involved in a sport covering all aspects of being healthy, fit, and good at something? That’s why those who play some kind of sport are always fit. Playing badminton requires immense strength and energy. Running around and hitting the shuttle makes the body exhausted. Playing this kind of sport can have a lot of advantages for the body, but there are certain aspects to keep in mind. Cooling down is a process that should be followed religiously after playing badminton, and the reasons are discussed further in the article. 

What is a cooldown? 

  • Those who have just started working out or playing an intense sport like badminton might find this term new. Cooling down is necessary after a session of a game or exercise to let the body feel relaxed. It is a workout that is usually slow compared to other ones. This lasts for only 5-10 minutes. It helps the body to reach back to a normal state as the heartbeat becomes regular. 
  • Cool down usually consists of stretches and mild exercises. It aids people in getting ready for their next match once as they are now in a much better state to tackle it when they are comfortable. 
  • To make your game better in badminton, it is essential to take precautions and follow the required cooldown techniques along with the others rather than just buying expensive equipment and getting disappointed if you see no results. 
  • A workout session should be made correctly to see the effects on the body. Warm-up, exercise, and cooldown should be planned so that the body gets the right treatment. 

The benefits of cooling down after a badminton game

Before doing anything, it is necessary to learn the reasons or benefits that the process involves, so people have logical reasoning behind performing it. People believe that cooling down after an intense exercise is unnecessary, or maybe are simply very lazy to do so because we all know how tough it is to push oneself for a workout and then a cool-down session may appear impossible, but while playing an intense sport like badminton, you must continually activate your muscles to support your body. A good cool down and stretch can help you perform better during the game. These are some of the advantages which are why cooldown is so essential after a game or workout. 

1) Avoides damages 

When engaging in the process of long and engaging matches, muscle tear is something that can happen to people. It is a painful experience that the body has to go through and may give nightmares to many. There is a way to ensure that it does not happen, and that is through doing the cooldown process. Those who end their day by not doing this can notice that they do not gain major benefits as opposed to those who religiously follow the cooldown exercises.

2) Regulates heartbeat 

This is one of the major reasons why cooldown is essential to adapt to the schedule. The body may experience dizziness due to exhaustion or other reasons, and it can be dangerous if there is no one around to handle the person. To ensure that light-headedness does not happen after a game, cooldown can play a good role as it helps the body to get the heartbeat back to a regular rate. 

3) No muscle cramping or stiffness 

The reason for cramping and stiffness in the body is the accumulated lactic acid. Getting this is not a treat, as they can make a person scream in pain. To make sure that you do not experience any of it, cooldown stretches can be your option as they aid the body in releasing the acid faster. This leads the body not to slow down the process as it gets into recovery mode more quickly. 

4) Stress release 

Dopamine and serotonin are the hormones in the body that make a person happy. While doing these cooldowns, it is observed that these are released, which makes the body feel relaxed and gets rid of all the stress. You will surely feel your mood improving after finishing the session with a cooldown. 

5) Good flexibility 

Cooling down can make you believe that you see a positive change in your body as it helps with being more flexible. As mentioned above, any tear and back pain can be avoided by doing it. Having good flexibility can also impact your overall game, which is why these stretches are advised by experts as well. 

6) Helps to meditate better 

In cooling down it is advantageous if you hold the stretch that you are in for a longer time, this will help you to stay focused and aid your muscles lengthening in your body. Meditation also helps you to clear your mind and focus better which cool down provides. This may be a winning deal for players who have back-to-back matches as they can concentrate with a calm mind. 

7) Regulation of blood flow 

There is more blood pumped when the body engages in sports or exercise. Cool down gives veins the ability to regulate normal blood back to the body along with making sure that the blood pressure drops. According to the doctors, there are no negative effects that are found in the process of cooling down; it just has numerous benefits contributing to making players better at the game. 

8) Reduces soreness

Nobody wants a sore body the next morning after playing an intense game as the soreness lasts for 2-3 days and forces you to stay in bed due to the discomfort that the body experiences. Stretching out can get rid of this soreness in no time as it helps in releasing the muscles and gives you instant relief. 

What are some regular cooldown exercises? 

These are some detailed cooldown exercises that people across the age can do. They are explained in a simple manner for better understanding. Carefully read the instructions so that you can experience how your body gets back to normal after engaging in it. 

Seated foot forward 

  1. Sit on a yoga mat with your feet outstretched. 
  2. Put your arms up and go forward with it. 
  3. Hold your feet with your hands. You have to be in this position for a minute or as long as your body is comfortable and not experiencing any pain. 

Downward facing dog 

  1. First, go into a plank position with your body. From here, you have to go up and down with your hips. 
  2. If you want to do this right, then it is crucial to keep the spine straight.
  3. To distribute the weight of your body proportionally, spread your fingers widely. 
  4. Your legs have to be pedalled out and in. Your body must switch between an inverted “V shape” and go back to normal and plank position. 
  5. This should be done for a minute. 

Butterfly stretch 

  1. Sit on the mat with your soles touching each other (if you want to make it more difficult, bend forward and try touching your head to the mat). 
  2. For a regular butterfly, stretch, erect your spine and take deep breaths, while you exhale you can let your body relax. 
  3. This stretch can be done for 2-4 minutes. 

Other common cooldown exercises 

Some of these exercises are self-explanatory, or there are tutorial videos that can be followed to look at how to do them. It is necessary to learn how to do them so that your body does not go through any accidents of tear and dislocation. People can look at some fun-cool-down exercises on the various internet platforms to make this end-session more exciting. 

  1. Toe touching 
  2. Shoulder-stretch 
  3. Lunge stretch
  4. Child pose 
  5. Split toe touch 
  6. Floor touch 
  7. Side stretch 

Easy exercises to follow 

As we all know it gets difficult for someone who is older or in that case even younger for the above-mentioned stretches. For minors and older adults, it can be challenging to do some difficult cooldowns. These few stretches can make the process much easier. 

Breathing 

Breathing or even walking can be the easiest form of cooling down or stretching for such people. 

Corpse position 

  1. Lie down on the mat with your arms alongside your body. Keep your feet facing upwards and not bent. Your palms must be open. 
  2. Feel relaxed by closing your eyes and letting all your body lose on the mat entirely. You do not have to hold any of the body parts tightly. 
  3. This position can be held for 5 minutes or more. 

Arms circles 

  1. Extend your arms to the sides and keep them on shoulder level. 
  2. You have to move your arms forwards 8-10 times in circles. Do the same process backwards. 

Follow these methods to give your body a much-deserving session of resting through this session! The next time you finish an intense game like playing badminton make sure to follow a cool-down routine. To revise the benefits that it has, the body gets back to how it was, it regulates the blood pressure, you feel more relieved and happier and you are more flexible than ever.

How to select a Badminton Racket?

In Badminton, having the proper equipment is necessary. Proper Badminton equipment, whether racket or shoes, is a must. Having a proper racket according to your game style can upgrade your game to another level.

Sometimes you may have to purchase a new racket, so many problems arise, like which racket is best for me. So, we, the God of Sports, are here to help you tell you which racket is good for enhancing your game.

Points to remember when you are going to purchase a badminton racket for you:

1. Balance Point or overall weight of Racket:

  • Head Heavy Racket:

A head-heavy racket means the weight shift towards the head. Head Heavy rackets will give you more power due to the momentum generated from heavier racket heads.

  • Head Light Racket :

A Head Light balance means the weight shifts less towards the head (towards the grip). A headlight racket will give you more manoeuvrability but less power.

For starters, always go for the Even-Balanced racket rather than going for Head-Heavy or Head-Light racket. Once you know your type, you can always replace your racket according to your suitability.

2. Head Shape:

  • Isometric: An isometric racket gives you a larger sweet spot, hence making it easier for you to hit a shot efficiently.
  • Oval: An oval-headed racket has a smaller sweet spot, but if the sweet spot hits, it gives you a slightly more concentrated power.

An isometric racket is easier to play with compared to an oval racket, as it gives you a larger sweet spot. Nowadays, 90% of rackets are made of Isometric shape.

3. String Tension:

String tension refers to how tight the racket string is tied to the racket, and it’s measured in pounds (lbs) normally. The tighter you tie your string, the less bouncy your string becomes, which means less repulsion power will be generated from the string bed. However, your shots will be more accurate and sharper.

4. Shaft Flexibility:

The stiffness of the racket shaft refers to how easily the shaft flexes (flexibility). If you are a Beginner, you want a shaft which is more flexible, while Advance Player will benefit from one that is stiffer.

The stiff shaft provides more resistance and a faster snap back (recoil) when flexed, which won’t be a problem for an advanced player.

5. Racket Weight:

Selecting the weight for your badminton racquet depends upon your playing technique and skill of play. The weight and balance of the racquet change when it is either strung or any extra grip is added.

In conclusion, a player has to choose the racket on the basis of these points. If you are confused about selecting the best racket for you, click on the link here. An expert will connect with you soon to guide you to the best racket for you.

To shop your favourite badminton products at the lowest price, visit our website – God of Sports.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart