Indian Shuttlers Endure Poor Start at Denmark Open Super 750

Indian Shuttlers Endure Poor Start at Denmark Open Super 750

Indian badminton players faced a disappointing start at the Denmark Open Super 750 tournament, with both the women’s and mixed doubles pairs suffering opening-round defeats on Wednesday.

In the women’s doubles, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand squandered a game lead to lose 21-19, 17-21, 15-21 against fifth-seeded Malaysian duo Pearly Tan and Muralitharan Thinaah. Despite a strong start, the Indian pair couldn’t maintain their momentum and eventually succumbed to their higher-ranked opponents.

The mixed doubles pair of B Summeth Reddy and N Sikki Reddy also endured a heartbreaking loss, falling 22-20, 19-21, 22-24 to Canadian duo Kevin Lee and Eliana Zhang. After taking the first game, the Indians let their lead slip away in the second and third games, narrowly missing out on a victory.

The only bright spot for India on Wednesday was double Olympic medalist PV Sindhu, who advanced to the second round of the women’s singles after her opponent, Pai Yu Po of Chinese Taipei, retired midway through the second game.

Earlier in the tournament, Lakshya Sen, a 2021 World Championships bronze medalist, crashed out in the opening round of the men’s singles, while Malvika Bansod and Aakarshi Kashyap also made first-round exits from the women’s singles competition.

The Denmark Open Super 750 is a prestigious badminton tournament that attracts top players from around the world. The Indian shuttlers will be hoping to bounce back from their disappointing start and make a strong showing in the remaining rounds of the competition.

Lakshya Sen Advances to Round of 16 at Arctic Open Super 500

Lakshya Sen Advances to Round of 16 at Arctic Open Super 500

India’s rising badminton star Lakshya Sen has advanced to the men’s singles round of 16 at the Arctic Open Super 500 tournament in Finland. Sen’s opponent, Rasmus Gemke, withdrew from their opening round match on Wednesday, giving Sen a walkover.

Sen, who narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal in Tokyo, will face the winner of the match between seventh seed Chou Tien Chen of Chinese Taipei and qualifier Arnaud Merkle of France in the next round. Qualifier Kiran George is the only other Indian in action on Wednesday, taking on Tzu Wei Wang of Chinese Taipei later in the day.

On Tuesday, Malvika Bansod continued her impressive form this year by upsetting world No. 23 Sung Shuo Yun of Chinese Taipei in the women’s singles. Bansod, who won her first title in over two years in February, showed her resilience in a hard-fought match, winning 21-19, 24-22. However, she faces a tough challenge in the next round against former world champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand.

Another promising Indian shuttler, Unnati Hooda, defeated Brazil’s Juliana Viana Viera to set up an encounter against Michelle Li of Canada. Rising star Aakarshi Kashyap also progressed to the round of 16 on Tuesday night, beating Germany’s Yvonne Li. She will next face second seed Yue Han of China.

India’s badminton contingent is looking to make a strong showing at the Arctic Open Super 500 tournament. With Sen, Bansod, Hooda, and Kashyap all advancing to the later rounds, India has a chance to secure multiple medals.

Malvika Bansod Stuns World No. 23, Advances at Arctic Open Super 500

Malvika Bansod Stuns World No. 23, Advances at Arctic Open Super 500

Double Olympic medalist PV Sindhu’s Arctic Open Super 500 campaign came to an abrupt end in the round of 32, as she succumbed to a 16-21, 10-21 defeat against Canada’s Michelle Li. However, rising Indian shuttler Malvika Bansod continued her impressive form, stunning world No. 23 Sung Shuo Yun 21-19, 24-22 to advance to the women’s singles pre-quarterfinals.

Bansod’s victory is a testament to her growing prowess on the international stage. The 23-year-old southpaw, who clinched her first title in over two years at the Azerbaijan International in February, showed her resilience in a hard-fought match that lasted 57 minutes.

In the next round, Bansod will face a formidable challenge in the form of either Ratchanok Intanon, the 2013 world champion from Thailand and tournament top seed, or Wang Zhi Yi, the 2022 world champion from China.

Meanwhile, Aakarshi Kashyap also secured a place in the pre-quarterfinals with a 21-19, 21-14 victory over Germany’s Yvonne Li in another women’s singles contest.

Sindhu’s early exit marks her first tournament since the Paris Olympics. The 27-year-old Indian, who has won two Olympic medals (a silver in Rio 2016 and a bronze in Tokyo 2020), will be hoping to bounce back in her next outing.

Indian Badminton's Next Generation Emerges, Aiming to Fill Saina-Sindhu Void

Indian Badminton’s Next Generation Emerges, Aiming to Fill Saina-Sindhu Void

Indian badminton has long been dominated by the legendary Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu. However, a new generation of shuttlers is emerging, promising to fill the void left by these icons.

In recent years, five Indian women have broken into the world’s top 50: Malvika Bansod (No. 36), Aakarshi Kashyap (No. 41), Anupama Upadhyaya (No. 47), Unnati Hooda (No. 50), and of course, PV Sindhu (No. 14). Additionally, seven more Indians rank between 51 and 100.

While talented, this next generation still lacks the experience and consistency of Saina and Sindhu. However, with proper guidance and training, they have the potential to reach the top.

“Every country goes through a bit of a gap,” said Sindhu’s coach, Anup Sridhar. “We have a lot of promising talent, but to expect everyone to be at the same level as Sindhu and Saina would be a bit hard.”

Malvika Bansod has shown great promise, recently reaching the quarter-finals of the China Open, a Super 1000 event. Aakarshi Kashyap is another rising star, known for her aggressive style of play.

Among the juniors, Anupama Upadhyaya, Unnati Hooda, Anmol Kharb, Tanvi Sharma, and Tanvi Patri are all making waves. Anmol, in particular, has impressed with her performances in the Asia Team Championships and the Nationals.

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) is committed to supporting this new generation. They have increased the number of BWF events in India, providing more opportunities for players to compete and improve their rankings.

“Our main job is to take this batch to the next level,” said BAI Secretary General Sanjay Mishra. “If we have 10 talented players, then we should be able to take at least 7-8 to the next level.”

With the right guidance and support, India’s next generation of badminton stars could soon be challenging for Olympic medals.

Malvika Bansod Stuns at China Open, Reaches Quarter-Finals

Malvika Bansod Stuns at China Open, Reaches Quarter-Finals

Malvika Bansod, the rising star of Indian badminton, has made a remarkable impact at the prestigious China Open, one of the most elite tournaments on the BWF World Tour. Despite facing formidable opponents, Bansod displayed exceptional skill and determination, reaching the quarter-finals in her first Super 1000 event.

Bansod’s journey began with an impressive victory over world No. 7 Gregoria Mariska Tunjung of Indonesia. She followed this up with a confident win against experienced Commonwealth Games medalist Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland. These victories showcased Bansod’s ability to outsmart and outplay top-ranked players.

“I’ve had close matches with top 20 players before, and those losses helped me analyze my mistakes,” Bansod said. “I’m glad I could implement those lessons in these matches.”

Bansod’s rise to prominence began in 2019 when she won five International Series finals. She gained further attention in 2022 by defeating former world No. 1 Saina Nehwal at the India Open and reaching the finals of the Syed Modi International.

However, a bout of dengue in 2022 led to a dip in form. Bansod also underwent a coaching change, with her childhood coach Sanjay Mishra becoming the secretary general of the Badminton Association of India.

In 2023, Bansod joined the Thane Badminton Academy under coach Shrikant Vad. Vad praised Bansod’s receptiveness and fitness, noting that she has the desire to win and improve.

“We worked on specific points, such as her net game and finishing strokes from the back court,” Vad said. “She’s shown great retrieving skills and has improved her control of the shuttle.”

Bansod’s recent success at the China Open has given her confidence and valuable experience against top-quality opponents. She lost to two-time former world champion Akane Yamaguchi in the quarter-finals but gained valuable insights from the match.

“I’ve made changes in my game that have led to better results,” Bansod said. “I’m aiming to break into the top 25 and continue improving my performances at the highest level.”

Bansod’s next challenge will be the Finland Open Super 500 tournament in October. Her impressive performances at the China Open have solidified her status as a rising star in Indian badminton, with the potential to achieve even greater heights in the future.

Saina Nehwal Defends Olympic Medal Comments Amid Criticism

Saina Nehwal Defends Olympic Medal Comments Amid Criticism

Saina Nehwal’s historic bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics marked a watershed moment for Indian badminton. As the first Indian to achieve an Olympic medal in the sport, her triumph paved the way for India’s current dominance on the international stage.

Recently, Saina’s comments on the 2024 Paris Olympics sparked controversy. She criticized wrestler Vinesh Phogat for missing her weight cut and being disqualified from her gold medal match. However, Saina and her husband, Parupalli Kashyap, have defended her remarks.

“During the Paris Olympics, she expressed her opinion, and in the comments (on social media), I saw people saying that she got gifted the bronze medal,” Kashyap said. “Try and get yourself up to the level of the Olympics,” Saina retorted.

Saina’s bronze medal came after her opponent, Wang Xin, retired with an injury during the second game. “She was not the kind of player who showed any pain or emotions on court,” Saina recalled. “But I could see it in her face that something was wrong.”

“I heard a light sound from her end and she just sat down,” Saina continued. “I didn’t realize that something had happened to her. The next two-three points she was struggling to walk. And then suddenly she held out her hand and I wondered what was happening here.”

India won six medals at the Paris Olympics, one less than in Tokyo 2020. However, the badminton contingent disappointed with no medals for the first time since Beijing 2008. Despite strong contenders like PV Sindhu, HS Prannoy, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, and Lakshya Sen, India failed to secure a podium finish.

Lakshya Sen Makes History at Paris Olympics, Narrowly Misses Medal

Lakshya Sen Makes History at Paris Olympics, Narrowly Misses Medal

Lakshya Sen, India’s rising badminton star, made history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by becoming the first Indian male shuttler to reach the semi-finals. However, his Olympic dream was shattered as he narrowly missed out on a medal, losing to Viktor Axelsen in the semi-final and Lee Zii Jia in the bronze medal match.

Despite the disappointment, Sen’s performance was a testament to his talent and hard work. He displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, showcasing his potential as a future champion.

After his semi-final loss, Sen expressed his devastation at not being able to secure a medal for India. He acknowledged that he could have been more clinical in the crucial stages of the match. However, he remained positive, recognizing that there were areas where he could improve.

Prakash Padukone, a legendary Indian badminton player, expressed his disappointment but also emphasized the need for Indian players to deliver results, given the support they receive. He pointed out that Sen had performed well but could have done better.

Sen acknowledged Padukone’s advice and appreciated the support he received from the badminton community. He highlighted the guidance and encouragement he received from Prakash Padukone and his daughter, Deepika Padukone.

Despite the setback, Sen remains determined to achieve his Olympic dream. He is confident that he can learn from his experiences and return stronger in the future. His performance at the Paris Olympics has ignited hope and inspiration among Indian badminton fans, who believe that he has the potential to become one of the greatest players in the sport.

Indian Badminton Stars Disappoint at Paris Olympics, Prakash Padukone and Sunil Gavaskar Criticise Lakshya Sen

Indian Badminton Stars Disappoint at Paris Olympics, Prakash Padukone and Sunil Gavaskar Criticise Lakshya Sen

The Paris Olympics 2024 has been a bittersweet experience for Indian sports fans. After the high of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where India returned with a record seven medals, the expectation was that at the Paris Olympics, the haul would be bigger. However, following a string of narrow misses and some unlucky incidents (like the Vinesh Phogat disqualification), India won six medals.

Badminton was one sport where India has fared well in the last three editions. Starting from the 2012 Olympics, Indian badminton stars have returned with at least one medal. However, this time there were no medals. The star duo of Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty could not enter the semi-finals. Singles player Lakshya Sen became the first Indian male shuttler to enter the Olympic semi-final but lost crucial matches despite being in a strong situation.

Amid such displays, badminton legend Prakash Padukone said that It was time for the badminton stars to bring home good results as there was enough support from the government and other stakeholders. The comment was criticised by many. Former Indian cricket team captain Sunil Gavaskar, however, has supported Prakash Padukone and critisiced Lakshya Sen’s mental block.

Gavaskar felt that Lakshya had lost his “thought and concentration”. “For those who watched both the semifinal and the bronze medal matches, it did appear that Lakshya had lost his trend of thought and concentration in the way he looked at his racquet as he sipped from his water bottle in between points or at the changeovers,” Gavaskar wrote.

“I could be completely wrong, but on TV, it looked like a blank expression, and that’s usually a sign that the mind has wandered. Concentration and focus are things that no coach or trainer can ever teach. It can be developed over the years by the athlete by observing other champions and having an inner resolve, but there’s no specific program for it. Yes, mind trainers are around, but they can only do so much and not more. It’s got to be within the athlete.”

Indian Badminton Contingent Fails to Medal at Paris Olympics, Padukone Urges Players to Take Responsibility

Indian Badminton Contingent Fails to Medal at Paris Olympics, Padukone Urges Players to Take Responsibility

India’s badminton contingent at the Paris Olympics failed to secure a medal, despite high expectations and a roster featuring some of the country’s top players. Prakash Padukone, a legendary former Indian shuttler and mentor to Lakshya Sen, expressed disappointment and urged the players to take responsibility for their underwhelming performances.

Lakshya Sen, who became the first Indian male shuttler to reach an Olympic semi-final, squandered an opportunity to bring home a medal, according to Padukone. The Indian men’s doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were knocked out in the quarterfinal, while two-time medallist PV Sindhu bowed out in the round of 16 in women’s singles.

Padukone emphasized that the players have received adequate support from the government and that they should not blame external factors for their failures. “After Milkha Singh in ’64 and PT Usha in the ’80s, we have so many fourth-place finishes. I think it’s high time that the players also take responsibility,” he said.

Padukone urged the players to introspect and question whether they are working hard enough. He pointed out that they have access to excellent facilities and support staff, which is not the case in many other countries.

Regarding Lakshya Sen’s defeat, Padukone was particularly critical of the way he squandered his 1-0 lead against Lee Zii Jia in the bronze medal match. “He could have definitely gotten a medal,” Padukone said. “He cannot give this as an excuse. Take the responsibility and work harder.”

Padukone’s comments highlight the need for Indian badminton players to step up and deliver when it matters most. They must take ownership of their performances and strive for excellence, rather than relying solely on external support.

India's Badminton Contingent Aims for Glory at Paris Olympics 2024

India’s Badminton Contingent Aims for Glory at Paris Olympics 2024

The 2024 Paris Olympics commenced with a spectacular opening ceremony on Friday, marking the beginning of the quadrennial sporting extravaganza. India has sent a contingent of 117 athletes to the Games, with high hopes of securing a significant medal tally.

India’s badminton contingent is led by the illustrious PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist. The dynamic duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will also represent India in the men’s doubles category, emerging as strong contenders for the gold medal. India’s badminton campaign commences on Saturday.

Former Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap has identified Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy as the “dark horses” of the team. This is the first time since 2004 that two Indian men will compete in the Olympics. Kashyap believes that both players possess the potential to cause major upsets.

“I think Lakshya and Prannoy are one of the dark horses in the draw. Both of them, especially Lakshya, played the All-England final two years back. During the Olympic qualification, he came out of a tough qualification period. He had a couple of first-round losses, but the way he qualified by making it to two semi-finals and getting good wins against top-level opponents… It shows his caliber,” Kashyap stated.

Kashyap emphasized that both Lakshya and Prannoy have faced adversity and emerged victorious. He highlighted their experience in the Thomas Cup-winning team and their ability to perform in high-pressure matches. “They are capable of anything but are surely the dark horses. They can beat anyone in the draw, be it Li Shi Feng or Victor. I won’t say they are the favorites, but they have a huge chance to create upsets and progress in the tournament,” he added.

PV Sindhu will also be aiming to break her title drought. Kashyap believes that Sindhu, who last won the Commonwealth Games gold in 2022, will be an “underdog” but her opponents will be wary of her credentials. “It’s her third Olympics, she won two medals in the last two Olympics and several world championship medals. So I think she feels she has an edge already even though her ranking doesn’t say it or her recent form doesn’t say it,” said Kashyap.

“In major events, I think the opponents also are a little wary of her even though she’s not in form. I think she’s going as a dark horse and underdog considering the last two years of women’s singles,” he added.

Catch all the live action from Paris 2024 exclusively on JioCinema & Sports18.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart