PV Sindhu Eyes 2028 Olympics, Vows to Continue Inspiring

PV Sindhu Eyes 2028 Olympics, Vows to Continue Inspiring

PV Sindhu, India’s star shuttler, remains determined to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics despite her disappointing exit from the Paris Games. At 29, Sindhu has already achieved significant success, including two Olympic medals and a world championship title. However, she believes she still has much to offer and is eager to continue inspiring the next generation of Indian athletes.

Sindhu’s journey to the top has been marked by resilience and determination. After winning silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics, she faced setbacks and injuries. However, she bounced back to claim bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Despite her early exit in Paris, Sindhu remains optimistic about her future prospects.

“If I’m fit, if I’m able to do it, if I’m injury free, then definitely yes I will compete at LA,” Sindhu said. “I can see myself going there for at least the next couple of years now.”

Sindhu has made several changes to her coaching staff in recent years, seeking to regain her peak form. She is currently working with Anup Sridhar and former World No. 5 Lee Hyun-il. The shuttler believes these changes will help her improve her speed and defense.

In addition to her on-court commitments, Sindhu is also focused on giving back to the sport. She has launched the ‘PV Sindhu Centre for Badminton and Sports Excellence’ in Visakhapatnam. The academy aims to inspire and nurture young athletes from all backgrounds.

Sindhu’s determination and unwavering belief in her abilities make her a role model for aspiring athletes. Her journey serves as a reminder that setbacks are temporary and that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.

Lakshya Sen Crashes Out of Denmark Open in First Round

Lakshya Sen Crashes Out of Denmark Open in First Round

India’s Lakshya Sen’s Denmark Open campaign came to an abrupt end on Tuesday as he succumbed to a three-game defeat against China’s Lu Guang Zu in the opening round. The 2021 World Championship bronze medalist squandered an early advantage, losing 21-12 19-21 14-21 in a grueling 70-minute encounter.

Sen, who finished fourth at the Paris Olympics, had previously suffered a second-round exit at the Arctic Open in Finland last week. His loss in Odense marks another setback in his post-Olympic campaign.

Meanwhile, double Olympic medalist PV Sindhu advanced to the second round after her opponent, Pai Yu Po of Chinese Taipei, retired midway through the second game with the score reading 21-8 13-7 in favor of the Indian.

However, Malvika Bansod, who reached the quarterfinals at the China Open, failed to overcome the opening hurdle, losing 13-21 12-21 to Vietnam’s Nguyen Thuy Linh in women’s singles. Aakarshi Kashyap also faced an early exit, falling 13-21 12-21 to seventh-seeded Thai shuttler Supanida Katethong.

In women’s doubles, the Panda sisters, Rutaparna and Swetaparna, also made a first-round exit, losing 18-21 22-24 against Chinese Taipei’s Chang Ching Hui and Yang Ching Tun.

Sen, who was competing in his second event since the Olympics, started strongly against Lu, keeping pace with his Chinese rival before pulling ahead at 8-8 and taking an 11-9 advantage at the break. The Indian extended his lead to 20-11 with a seven-point burst, comfortably pocketing the opening game.

However, Lu rallied in the second game, narrowing the gap to 11-12 and eventually taking a 19-18 lead. Sen drew parity, but Lu secured the required two points to script a comeback.

In the decider, Lu maintained his composure and pulled ahead to 14-9, while Sen struggled to keep pace. Lu seized six match points and sealed the victory when Sen went long.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

India's Top Shuttlers Withdraw from BWF Japan Open

India’s Top Shuttlers Withdraw from BWF Japan Open

India’s Top Shuttlers Withdraw from BWF Japan Open

India’s top badminton players, including PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, and the men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, have withdrawn from the upcoming BWF Japan Open, scheduled to commence on August 24.

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) confirmed that defending champion Viktor Axelsen, fresh from winning his second Olympic gold medal, will be among the star attractions in the tournament. However, there have been several high-profile withdrawals, including Olympic champions Zheng Si Wei/Huang Ya Qiong, Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik, Chen Yu Fei, and Apriyani Rahayu/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti.

Lakshya Sen came close to winning the bronze medal for India in the Paris Olympics but lost to Axelsen in the semifinals. Other prominent withdrawals from India include Priyanshu Rajawat, Sameer Verma, Sankar Muthusamy, and Pusarla V Sindhu.

Despite the withdrawals, the field in all categories remains strong. Shi Yu Qi, Jonatan Christie, Anders Antonsen, Kodai Naraoka, and Kunlavut Vitidsarn are expected to compete in men’s singles, while Tai Tzu Ying, Akane Yamaguchi, Wang Zhi Yi, and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung will be in action in women’s singles.

In men’s doubles, world champions Seo Seung Jae/Kang Min Hyuk will be looking for their first Japan Open title, while in women’s doubles, local hopefuls Chiharu Shida/Nami Matsuyama and Mayu Matsumoto/Wakana Nagahara will attempt to break the Korean success streak.

Olympic bronze medallists Yuta Watanabe/Arisa Higashino will defend their mixed doubles title, with the field also featuring world champions Seo Seung Jae/Chae Yu Jung, Olympic silver medallists Kim Won Ho/Jeong Na Eun, and Indonesia Open winners Jiang Zheng Bang/Wei Ya Xin.

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.

Indian Badminton Enthusiast Extends Paris Stay to Witness Sindhu's Olympic Quest

Indian Badminton Enthusiast Extends Paris Stay to Witness Sindhu’s Olympic Quest

Keerthana Sai Nalla, a 26-year-old Indian badminton enthusiast, has altered her plans to witness the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite securing a new job in Germany and wanting to return home before starting it, her passion for badminton and the allure of watching PV Sindhu’s historic Olympic quest have compelled her to extend her stay in Paris.

Nalla’s love for badminton has been a constant throughout her life, despite her family’s frequent relocations due to her father’s military service. She has been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness the sport live at the Olympics, particularly the performances of the Indian men’s doubles team of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.

Sindhu, a double Olympic medalist and Nalla’s all-time favorite sportsperson, is aiming for a record third Olympic medal, a feat no Indian has ever achieved. Nalla is determined to witness Sindhu’s journey and has purchased tickets for the badminton matches.

“This is my best chance to watch Sindhu in action at the Olympics, so I am going to be around till the badminton games are done,” said Nalla, who attended the Games live at Arena Porte de La Chapelle in Paris on Sunday.

The Indian pair of Satwik and Chirag’s victory over France’s Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar in straight games further solidified Nalla’s decision to stay back. “Badminton is my highlight at the Olympics, I really love that game,” she added.

Nalla is actively monitoring the Paris 2024 official ticket resale website for tickets to the women’s singles semi-finals, where she expects Sindhu to reach. Her unwavering passion for badminton and the opportunity to witness history unfold have made her sacrifice her original plans and embrace the unforgettable experience of the Paris Olympics.

Lakshya Sen Stuns Jonatan Christie, Advances to Paris Olympics Round of 16

Lakshya Sen Stuns Jonatan Christie, Advances to Paris Olympics Round of 16

Lakshya Sen’s stunning victory over Jonatan Christie at the Paris Olympics has sent shockwaves through the badminton world. The Indian shuttler, ranked 22nd in the world, upset the third-seeded Indonesian, who is considered a favorite for the men’s singles gold medal.

Sen’s triumph marks a significant milestone in his career, as he had previously lost four consecutive matches to Christie. The Indonesian has been in dominant form this year, winning the Asian and All England championships. However, Sen’s determination and tactical brilliance proved too much for Christie on Wednesday.

In the first game, Christie took an early lead but Sen fought back to level the score at 8-all. The Indian continued to attack the net and exploit Christie’s errors, eventually winning the game 21-18.

The second game was even more one-sided, as Sen gained confidence from his first-game victory. He built a solid lead at the mid-game interval and never looked back, winning 21-12.

Sen’s victory is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has consistently performed well on the big stage, including winning the Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2022. His victory over Christie is a major boost for India’s hopes of winning a badminton medal at the Paris Olympics.

Meanwhile, PV Sindhu also advanced to the women’s singles Round of 16 with a comfortable victory over Kristin Kuuba of Estonia. The double Olympic medalist won in just 34 minutes, barely breaking a sweat.

Sindhu will face a tougher test in the next round when she takes on Chinese sixth seed He Bing Jiao. The two players have a close head-to-head record, with Sindhu winning the most recent encounter in the bronze medal playoff at the Tokyo Olympics.

India's Medal Hopes Rise on Day 2 of Paris Olympics

India’s Medal Hopes Rise on Day 2 of Paris Olympics

Paris Olympics 2024: India’s Day 2 Schedule and Medal Hopes

Day 2 of India’s campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics promises to be action-packed, with several medal contenders taking center stage.

Shooting: Manu Bhaker’s Redemption Quest

Manu Bhaker, India’s pistol shooting sensation, will be the focus of attention as she aims to secure the country’s first medal at the Games. After a disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics, Bhaker is determined to make amends. She will compete in the women’s 10m air pistol final, where she will face stiff competition from Hungarian ace Veronika Major.

Badminton: Sindhu and Prannoy Begin Campaigns

Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu will kick off her women’s singles campaign against FN Abdul Razzaq of Maldives. Sindhu, who was India’s flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony, will be looking to add to her impressive medal tally. HS Prannoy will also begin his men’s singles journey, facing Fabian Roth of Germany.

Archery: Women’s Team Targets Semifinals

The Indian women’s archery team, comprising Ankita Bhakat, Bhajan Kaur, and Deepika Kumari, will aim for a semifinal spot in the team event. They will face either France or the Netherlands in the quarterfinals.

Other Events

Elavenil Valarivan will compete in the women’s 10m air rifle qualification, while Sandeep Singh and Arjun Babuta will represent India in the men’s 10m air rifle qualification.

In table tennis, Achanta Sharath Kamal, Manika Batra, and Sreeja Akula will open their respective singles campaigns.

Balraj Panwar will participate in the men’s single sculls repechage in rowing.

Srihari Nataraj and Dhinidhi Desinghu will represent India in the men’s 100m backstroke and women’s 200m freestyle swimming events, respectively.

In tennis, Rohan Bopanna and N Sriram Balaji will play in the men’s doubles round 1, while Sumit Nagal will face Corentin Moutet of France in the men’s singles round 1.

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