Viktor Axelsen

Viktor Axelsen storms into the semi finals of India Open

World number one Viktor Axelsen has made it to the last four in the 2023 India Open at New Delhi. The #1 shuttler defeated fellow Danish player Rasmus Gemke who suffered a leg injury during the first game and had to retire.

Axelsen, who will now face Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie, was leading the game 16-8 when Gemke had to retire. Viktor Axelsen has had a tremendous India Open defeating India’s Srikanth Kidambi 21-14 & 21-19 in the Round of 32 game and Y.Q.Shi 21-16, 16-21 & 21-9 in the Round of 16 clash.

Additionally, top seed Akane Yamaguchi beat three-time former world champion Carolina Marin to reach the semi-finals. Yamaguchi, herself a two-time world champion and the current world number one, faces Supanida Katethong of Thailand in the last four.

Viktor Axelsen

Viktor Axelsen thrashes Japan’s Kodai Naraoka to clinch the singles title at the Malaysian Open

Danish shuttler Viktor Axelsen successfully defended his singles title at the Malaysian Open 2023 after defeating Japan’s Kodai Naraoka 21-6, 21-15 in two straight games. The world number one needed only 40 minutes to secure the first trophy of the year.

Axelsen started the match with complete aggression, never allowing the opponent to settle. The tactic paid dividends for the Danish badminton player as he won the first game comfortably. Axelsen continued the strategy in the second game too. He kept up the pressure in the second game against a visibly exhausted opponent to clinch the win.

 

After the win, Axelsen was quoted as saying, “I just tried to play consistently at a high pace, and not give him many chances. If he wanted to win, he had to work really hard.” Axelsen appreciated Naraoka for the way he played in the final. He added, “I did feel tired coming into this game, but I still did my best. But he used his height well, and his smashes were too powerful for me.”

Additionally, Akane Yamaguchi defeated An Se-young to win the women’s singles final. Also, the Indonesian duo of Muhammad Rian Ardianto & Fajar Alfian managed to clinch the men’s doubles finals. The charismatic Chinese pair of Jia Yifan & Chen Qingchen won the women’s doubles. Another Chinese pair, Zheng Siwei & Huang Yaqiong, managed to go past Arisa Higashino & Yuta Watanabe to win the mixed doubles finals.

The best Indian Badminton Players to watch out for in the 2023 India Open

The best Indian Badminton Players to watch out for in the 2023 India Open

Badminton. It is one of the most watched sports in India. After Cricket and Football, Badminton manages to get the most viewership. Such is the popularity of the sport that it has a league of its own. Named Pro Badminton League, the Indian badminton league is one of the top badminton leagues in the world. Its playing field features the top Indian and international badminton talent in the world, including Olympic and World Championship Medal Winners.  

Players like PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth and Parupalli Kashyap have become household names today. These badminton players have made the nation proud by representing the nation on the international podium and winning accolades. 

The YONEX Sunrise India Open 2023 will start on 17th January. Many Indian shuttlers will get a chance to showcase their talent. From Lakshya Sen to Krish Desai, many talented badminton players will be on the grandest stage. And the audience will have a keen eye on these shuttlers.

Here’s a closer look at the top 11 Indian Badminton Players to watch out for in the 2023 India Open tournament.

Men’s Singles

Priyanshu Rajawat

Priyanshu Rajawat is an Indian badminton player. He was part of the Indian team that won the 2022 Thomas Cup. The Indian shuttler has the highest World rank of 47. 

Priyanshu Rajawat with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Source: Instagram/ @rajawatpriyanshu

The teenage sensation has won the 2019 Bahrain International, 2021 Ukraine International, 2021 India International Challenge and 2022 India Chattisgarh International Challenge. Additionally, the shuttler was runner-up in the 2022 Bangladesh International.

Currently, the Indian badminton player has a World Tour rank of 51.

 

Women’s Singles

Aakarshi Kashyap

Aakarshi Kashyap is an Indian badminton player. She was selected to be part of the Indian team at the 2018 Asian Games. She was also a part of the national women’s team that won the gold medal in the 2019 South Asian Games.

Aakarshi Kashyap playing bafminton

1,069 Commonwealth Games Sri Lanka Photos and Premium High Res Pictures – Getty Images

Source: Creator: Stephen Pond        Credit: Getty Images        Copyright: 2022 Getty Images

The high-profile shuttler has won 2020 Kenya International, 2022 Maldives International and 2022 Bangladesh International. Ms. Kashyap was on the losing end of the major finals twice. She lost the finals during the 2018 Bulgarian International and 2020 Uganda International. 

Currently, she has a World Rank of 32 in Women’s Singles and a World Tour Rank of 37.

Ashmita Chaliha

Ashmita Chaliha is an Indian badminton player. Born and brought up in Guwahati, she began playing badminton at the age of seven and trained at the Assam Badminton Academy under Indonesian coach Edwin Iriawan and India’s Suranjan Bhobora, she was also coached by Pullela Gopichand for the Asian Games. Chaliha was part of the national junior team that competed at the 2017 World and Asian Junior Championships.

Ashmita Chaliha pick up the shuttlecock by racket in badminton

Source: Instagram/ @ashmichaliha

She was selected to be part of the Indian team for the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia. Chaliha won her first senior international title at the 2018 Dubai International Challenge in the women’s singles event. She was the gold medalist at the 2019 South Asian Games in the women’s singles and team events.

The Indian shuttler won a Gold medal at the 2019 South Asian Games, winning two straight sets; 21–18 and 25–23. Ashmita Chaliha also won the 2018 Tata Open India International and 2018 Dubai International. Chaliha lost the 2022 Bangladesh International finals against Aakarshi Kashyap.

Tasnim Mir

Tasnim Mir is a former BWF World Junior Number 1 player. She is the first Indian to grab the World Number 1 ranking in the Under-19 girls singles in the BWF junior rankings. The feat hasn’t been achieved by any other badminton player,  including two-time Olympic medallist P V Sindhu and London bronze winner Saina Nehwal.

Tasnim Mir

                                                                                          Source: Twitter/ @Tasnimmir_india

Tasnim has won the 2022 Iran Fajr International and the 2022 India Chattisgarh International Challenge. As a junior, the shuttler has won the 2019 Dubai Junior International, 2020 Nepal Junior International, 2021 Bulgarian Junior International, 2021 Alpes Junior International and 2021 Belgian Junior International.

She has also participated in the doubles category. She has won the 2019 Dubai Junior International with Ayan Rashid. 

Women’s Doubles

Tanisha Crasto/ Ashwini Ponnappa

Tanisha Crasto & Ashwini Ponnappa

                                                                                                           Source: Indian Express

Former World Championship medallist Ashwini Ponnappa has teamed up with Tanisha Crasto. The formidable pairing will definitely be having a great YONEX Sunrise India Open. With Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly cracking the Top 20, Ashwini – Tanisha can get into the mix to offer two competitive challenges from the home side.

Tressa Jolly/ Gayatri Gopichand

Tressa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand playing badminton

                                                                                                                        Source: ESPN.in

Gayatri Gopichand and Tressa Jolly are heavily bet to win big at the YONEX Sunrise India Open tournament. The duo, who are in incredible form, upset the second-seeded Korean pair of Lee Sohee and Shing Seungchan at the 2022 All-England Championships.

Mixed Doubles

Ishaan Bhatnagar/Tanisha Crasto

Ishaan Bhatnagar and Tanisha Crasto

                                                                                                           Source: Times of India

Eighteenth-seed Indians Ishaan Bhatnagar and Tanisha Crasto will be in the mix at YONEX Sunrise India Open. The duo, who have already clinched the mixed doubles title at the Syed Modi International badminton tournament, will look to add more to their tally. 

Akshan Shetty/ Simran Singhi

The Indian duo of Akshan Shetty and Simran Singhi are the latest duo in the mixed doubles category. The pair has participated in a total of 4 tournaments and earned 11620 points in total. 

Rohan Kapoor/ Reddy Siki

Rohan Kapoor and Reddy N Siki are ranked 66 in the BWF mixed doubles rankings. The Indian duo has participated in a total of 6 tournaments and earned 15890 points in total. 

So that’s it. These are the top Indian badminton players who are expected to surprise everyone with their performances at the YONEX Sunrise India Open.

Do you think there are any other badminton players who deserve a mention? Comment down your thoughts.

Top 7 badminton players of all time

Top 7 Badminton Players of all time

Badminton is one of the most famous sports in the world. Over the years, so many players have made us fall more in love with this amazing game. Their dedication, motivation, and thirst to win inspire the fans every time we watch them play. There rises a superstar every new decade, but only some are remembered throughout history. Let us have a look at the top 7 badminton players of all time. 

Top 7 badminton players of all time 

Lin Dan 

Lin Dan is undoubtedly, the best player in the history of Badminton. A career of over 2 decades that was filled with domination, the “Super Dan” had no competition in the business. The Chinese shutter won an Olympic Gold medal at the age of 21 years. Do we need to say anything more?

Sport/Recreation editorial image. Image of badminton - 175334230

Copyright: (c) Mohd Shahjehan Maamin | Dreamstime.com

A two-time Olympic gold medalist, a six-time All-England Champion, and a five-time World Champion, Lin Dan is the ultimate GOAT of the sport. Lin Dan won a total of 662 games in his glorious career which began in 2000. Lin Dan won a total of 66 titles. His aggression was enough to dominate any player on the court, as he was invincible during his prime. He was sharp, he was ruthless, and he was the champion of the champions. 

Lin Dan’s player profile 

  1. Date of Birth: October 14th, 1983 
  2. Handedness: Left 
  3. Years Active: 2000 to 2020 
  4. Career Records: 662 wins, 131 losses 

Lee Chong Wei 

Datuk Lee Chong Wei is the only Malaysian shutter to retain his no.1 spot for more than a year. Lee Chong Wei enjoyed a 199-week streak while being ranked no.1 from August 21st, 2008, to June 12th, 2012. Lee Chong Wei was close to perfect in Badminton Asia Championship in 2006 and 2014.

Lee Chong Wei jump smash | Match Video by BWF - www.youtube.… | Flickr

Creator: TONY SHI Copyright: HE SHI AKA TONY SHI

He is also a triple Olympic Silver medalist in 2008, 2012, and 2016 Men’s singles events. Lee Chong Wei was handed the tile of “Datuk Wira” by the Governor of Malacca, Moha Khalil Yaakob. 

Lee Chong Wei’s player profile 

  • Date of Birth: October 21st, 1982 
  • Years Active: 2000 to 2019 
  • Career Records: 713 wins, 135 losses 
  • Handedness: Right 

Gao Ling 

Gao Ling is touted to be one of this generation’s all-time great YONEX All-England Champions. Gao Ling experienced a decorated career in women’s doubles with a total of four titles to her name, which is the most by any shutter to date.

Image

Source: Twitter/ BWF

Gao Ling is a two-time Olympic gold medalist. The Chinese shutter started playing Badminton at the age of 8 years and never looked back. She has also won a bronze in women’s doubles at the Olympics 

Gao Ling’s player profile 

  1. Date of Birth: March 14th, 1979 
  2. Handedness: Right 
  3. Years Active: 1993 to 2009 
  4. Career Records: 611 wins, 128 losses 

Taufik Hidayat 

The Indonesian badminton player is widely known for holding the record for the fastest smash (305 km/hr) in the history of the sport. Taufik Hidayat achieved this feat at the 2006 World Championship.

Image

Source: Twitter/ Badminton Updates

Taufik Hidayat was a fan favourite as he held his heart in his sleeves while being on the court. Hidayat had an unorthodox style of playing the game which he had mastered throughout his career. Watching him was a treat for badminton lovers. Taufik retired in 2014 as one of the greatest of the game. 

Taufik Hidayat’s player profile 

  1. Date of Birth: August 10th, 1981 
  2. Handedness: Right 
  3. Years Active: 1996 to 2014 
  4. Career Records: 413 wins, 138 losses 

Tony Gunawan 

Tony Gunawan is an Olympic Gold medalist and has also won the World Championship with Indonesia. Gunawan later went on to win another World Championship with the United States of America.

Image

Source: Instagram/ Candra Wijaya, OLY

 

Tony Gunawan is remembered as the Greatest Double Player in the history of badminton. During his glorious career, Gunawan clinched titles like the 2000 Olympic Gold and the 2001 and 2005 IBF World Championships with 3 men’s doubles partners. 

Tony Gunawan’s player profile 

  1. Date of Birth: April 9th, 1975 
  2. Handedness: Right hand 
  3. Years Active: 1992 to 2001 
  4. Career Records: 501 wins, 163 losses 

Rudy Hartono 

Rudy Hartono was one of the biggest badminton players during the 60s and 70s. Rudy Harton won the All-England Championship a total of eight times, out of which he won 7 times at a trot from 1968-1974. He also clinched the World Championship in 1980. Rudy Hartono is known as the guy who revolutionized the sport. The Indonesian surely makes this list of the greatest of all time. 

Image

Source: Twitter/ LadPsycho

 

Rudy Hartono’s player profile 

  1. Date of Birth: August 18th, 1949 
  2. Handedness: Right 
  3. Years Active: 1965 to 1982 
  4. Career Records: 15 wins, 4 losses 

Liem Swei King 

It is said that it was very difficult to take the eyes of Liem Swei King when he used to grave the court. He believed in his work ethic and played the game with sheer confidence. Liem Swei King was so good at his game that there is a whole movie made about him with the title “King”. The movie takes us through the life of the two-time World Championship winner. Liem Swei King won the World Championship in 1980 and 1983.

Source: YouTube/ AllEnglandBadminton

Liem Swei King’s player profile 

  1. Date of Birth: February 28th, 1956 
  2. Years Active: 1974 to 1988 
  3. Career Records: 14 wins, 3 losses 
  4. Handedness: Right 

So, these were the top 7 legends from badminton who have enthralled us all over the years. Do you think we missed out on any shuttler that absolutely deserved a mention in this list?

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.

badminton serve

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 History of Badminton

Crafted in the British India colony, the origination of Badminton tracks back to the mid-19th century. It was modernized in Asia in the 1800s but the origins of the sport go back 2000 years. Badminton is one of the most famous sports in the world, which is widely played in the Asian sub-continent and is amongst the top 10 most-watched sports in the world. Here is a brief history of badminton. 

History of Badminton: 

As mentioned above, Badminton was modernized in India by British Indian officers. Badminton was the improved version of the sport “battledore and shuttlecock”, battledore being an old term for the racquet. However, many different games involving shuttlecocks were being played across Eurasia for centuries. The name Badminton is derived from the Duke of Beaufort’s Badminton House in Gloucestershire. 

In 1860, a London-based toy dealer who went by the name Isaac Spratt published a brochure with the title “Badminton Battledore- A New Game”. However, there is no copy of the booklet present in the world right now. The Cornhill Magazine published an article in 1863 which described badminton as “battledore and shuttlecock played with sides, across a string suspended some five feet from the ground”. 

Badminton became hugely popular in India by the start of the 1870s. The game “Ball badminton”, in which a woollen ball was used instead of a shuttlecock, was known to be played in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu around the 1850s. The game “Ball Badminton” was played interchangeably with badminton by the expatriate British officers. 

Badminton was famously known as Poonah or Poona across the town of Poona, Maharastra. It is also said that the first rules of Badminton were written in Poona around the year 1873. The game became so popular that the returning officers set up a badminton club in Folkestone, England. 

Badminton became a part of the Summer Olympic sport in 1992 with four main events: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, and women’s doubles. Mixed doubles were added to Summer Olympics in 1996. 

Badminton Rules: 

Badminton is a breakneck sport that involves a racket and a shuttlecock. Badminton can be played in singles or doubles. The main objective of Badminton is to put the shuttle on the opposition’s court over the net. 

Basic Rules of Badminton: 

  1. In competitive matches, all games of badminton are played to a best of three.
  2. A game of badminton can be played between two individuals (singles) or between 2 pairs of players (doubles). 
  3. Every match consists of 21 points. 
  4. When the score reaches 20-all, the player or the pair who bags a 2-point lead wins the game. 
  5. The player or the pair who wins the game serves first in the next one.
  6. At the start of every rally, the server and receiver are supposed to be standing diagonally opposite service courts. 
  7. A serve is considered to be legal when it’s hit diagonally across the court over the net. 
  8. Unlike Tennis, the Badminton rules do not allow second serves.
  9. A player can not touch the net with their racket, nor with any part of their body in the middle of the game. 
  10. A player can not intentionally distract their opponent.

Best tournaments in Badminton 

1) BWF Thomas Cup 

BWF Thomas Cup is touted as the oldest and the most esteemed badminton tournament in the world. The competition is also known as Men’s World Championship. BWF Thomas Cup is played between the male teams who are part of the BWF countries. The first BWF Thomas Cup was held in 1948. BWF Thomas Cup was played every three years until 1982, after which it is been played every two years. 

2) BWF Uber Cup 

BWF Uber Cup is the women’s edition of the Thomas Cup. The BWF Uber Cup is regarded as the Women’s World Cup. The BWF Uber Cup was founded in 1956 and is currently in its 26th edition. 

3) BWF Sudirman Cup 

The Sudirman Cup is the world championship between mixed teams. The Cup is played between the member countries of the BWF federations. The tournament is played every two years. It takes place in a different BWF country in each edition. The BWF Sudirman Cup was first played in the year 1989 in Indonesia. The winners of the competition are not awarded any cash prize as the sole purpose of the tournament is to play for the pride of their respective countries. However, the winner of the competition earns more points in the BWF world ranking. 

4) BWF World Championship 

The first BWF World Championship was played in 1977. The shuttlers participate and represent their respective countries in the competition with the aim of improving their rankings. The winners of the BWF World Championships are awarded the title of world champions and are given gold medals instead of cash price. BWF World Championship was initially played every once in three years until 1983, then the duration changed to 2 years till 2006. However, since 2006, BWF World Championship is being played every year.

5) World Grand Prix Finals 

The first World Grand Prix Finals was played in 1983 in Indonesia. Till 2001, the competition was played every year in a different Asian country, which was associated with the International Badminton Federation (IBF). The tournament got cancelled after 2001. The main motive of the tournament was to award the best badminton players of the year. Only the top 8 ranked countries were invited to play in the tournament. 

The best players in the history of the badminton 

  1. Lin Dan 
  2. Lee Chong Wei 
  3. Gao Ling 
  4. Taufik Hidayat 
  5. Rudy Hartono 
  6. Li Lingwei 
  7. Tony Gunawan 
  8. Morten Frost Hansen 
  9. Peter Gade 
  10. Han Aiping 

The Strongest Countries in Badminton 

  1. China 
  2. Japan 
  3. Indonesia 
  4. Korea 
  5. Malaysia 
  6. Chinese Taipei 
  7. India 
  8. Thailand 
  9. Denmark 
  10. Hong Kong 
  11. Spain
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.

badminton racket player hit feather shuttlecock

Top 7 Feather Badminton Shuttlecocks (Best of 2022)

Badminton is a game of strategy, skills, and stamina. A badminton player needs to have a combination of all the required aspects to become a master of the game. A player must have all his essentials in place to win a game of badminton. Usually, most of the players focus on just buying the best badminton racket. But alongside a good racket, one should also make sure to buy the best badminton feather shuttlecock. A good quality shuttlecock will help you get an accurate flight trajectory and pinpoint shot placements. 

Now there will be many questions in your mind, like Which is the No.1 shuttlecock? or Which is the best badminton feather shuttlecock? It might become a bit of a hassle to buy the perfect shuttlecock as there are too many options in the market. Relax; we have got you covered. 

In this article, we will help you understand the following points: 

1) Which is the best badminton feather shuttlecock

2) Which is the No.1 shuttlecock? 

3) Which is the best brand in shuttlecock? 

Which is the best badminton feather shuttlecock? 

Gone are the days when people used to select a badminton feather shuttlecock by its price range. The cost shouldn’t be the most crucial factor when buying a feather shuttlecock. A customer can conveniently purchase any product at a much-discounted rate on any online shopping website. In this article, we will also mention what shuttlecocks professionals use. Let’s get it started. 

Which is the No.1 shuttlecock? 

1. FZ Forza VIP Premium Badminton Feather Shuttlecock

 

FZ Forza VIP Premium Badminton Feather Shuttlecock

FZ FORZA VIP premium badminton feather shuttlecock is the top shuttle of FZ FORZA. A first-class tournament shuttle approved by BWF and used by several national federations around Europe. Perfect flight and good durability make this shuttle the best choice for the game.

The shuttle offers 77 Speed and comes with 12 shuttles in one tube.

Which is the No.1 shuttlecock?: Can also try Babolat 4 (Speed 76) Badminton Feather Shuttlecock 

2. Yonex Aerosensa 50 Feather Shuttlecocks

Yonex Aerosensa 50 Feather Shuttlecocks

 

It is a known fact that most American badminton clubs opt for Yonex AS 50 feather shuttlecocks while needing a feather shuttlecock with 100% solid cork. Yonex has been producing top-quality feather birdies for decades now. Yonex Aerosensa 50 Feather Shuttlecocks come in three-speed options and can easily sustain hammering from the best badminton rackets in the world. If you are an elite-level badminton player with accuracy, you should surely choose Yonex Aerosensa 50. With Yonex AS 50, you can be confident about reconcilable performances and precise shot placements. 

Which is the No. 1 shuttlecock?: Can also try Adidas FS09 Hybrid Feather Badminton Shuttlecock

3. Victor Master Ace Badminton Feather Shuttlecock (BWF Approved)

Victor Master Ace Badminton Feather Shuttlecock

 

The Victor Master Ace Badminton Feather Shuttlecock is designed for durability, consistency, and speed. This shuttlecock is Victor’s top-of-the-range shuttle and official tournament shuttle of the VICTOR Korean Open – Badminton Super Series. Every single feather of the Victor Master Ace badminton feather shuttlecock is chosen very carefully. Victor precisely selects every single feather from its shape, angle, curve, size, humidity, and completeness to ensure flight, stability, speed, and quality.

Which is the No.1 shuttlecock?: Can also try RSL Tourney No. 4 Badminton Feather Shuttlecock 

4. Yonex Aeroclear 30 Feather Shuttlecocks 

Yonex Aeroclear 30 Feather Shuttlecocks 

Is your search going for a budget-fitting shuttlecock? Look for further as Yonex Aeroclear 30 is your answer, as they come with goose feathers as well. Aeroclear 30 shuttlecocks will give you a similar experience to Aerosena 30. The ACL 30 shuttlecocks consist of many layers of cork which makes it affordable as the case is not the same as AS30 because it has 100% cork wood. But the quality and durability are affected here. It can give you satisfaction with decent consistency and good durability, along with a nice flight. 

5. Li Ning SG Gold (Speed 76) Badminton Feather Shuttlecock

 

Li Ning SG Gold (Speed 76) Badminton Feather Shuttlecock

Li Ning SG Gold Speed 76 Feather Shuttlecock belongs to the premium quality shuttles range from Li Ning. It is made of a natural cork base and duck feather skirt. It offers moderate speed. It is available in a pack of 12.

Which is the No 1 shuttlecock?: Can also try RSL Tourney No 1 Supreme Badminton 

6. Yonex Aerosensa 30 AS30 Feather Shuttlecocks 

Yonex Aerosensa 30 AS30 Feather Shuttlecocks 

Elevate your game to unstoppable levels with the Yonex Aerosensa 30 AS30 shuttlecock.  The high-quality Yonex Aerosensa 30 AS30 is designed to perform at extremely high levels, producing a stable trajectory, short recovery time, and solid feel upon impact. The base is made of 100% solid cork, and the cone is made with high-quality goose feathers. The Yonex Aerosensa 30 AS30 shuttlecock gives a solid performance in a hard-hitting practice session or a fast-paced match.

Which is the best brand in shuttlecock? 

Being one of the most popular badminton brands in the world, it goes without saying that you should consider getting yourself a shuttlecock from Yonex. These guys employ the latest technology to design top-notch shuttlecocks that perform impeccably in matches. Their shuttles are used the world over and in many professional matches as well.

More options: 

RSL: This company is dedicated to the art of producing shuttlecocks, and they offer top-quality feather and synthetic shuttlecocks. Of course, you can buy goose or duck feather shuttles. They’ve got a range of products for players at varying skill levels. 

Babolat: Looking for a shuttlecock approved for competitions? Or a shuttlecock perfectly suited to training? A balance between flight quality and life span for maximum pleasure, the Babolat badminton shuttlecocks cover all your needs.

Li-Ning: Li-Ning Studio is the e-commerce wing of Li-Ning, the Chinese leader in sports apparel and footwear. The company manufactures premium badminton goods and provides high-quality gear and equipment.

Choosing the perfect badminton shuttlecock is extremely important. Here’s hoping this buying guide on badminton shuttlecocks will help you select the ideal shuttlecock.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart