List of Indian players to achieve world number 1 ranking in badminton

Satwik-Chirag became the first Indian doubles pair to reach the pinnacle of the world rankings.

In the world of sports, there's a special place reserved for those who manage to reach the pinnacle of their discipline. For badminton enthusiasts in India, the dream of achieving the world number 1 ranking has fuelled the ambitions of many talented players. Over the years, a select few have turned this dream into reality, etching their names in the annals of the sport's history. Satwik-Chirag recently achieved that dream after becoming the World No. 1 ranked men's doubles pair on October 10.

Let's take a closer look at all the Indian shuttlers who have achieved the prestigious World number 1 ranking in badminton.

Prakash Padukone (1980)

Padukone's journey to greatness began in 1971 when he transformed his playing style into a more aggressive one. This transformation bore fruit in 1972 when he clinched both the Indian national junior and senior titles. What followed was nothing short of astounding, as he went on to win the National Championships consecutively for the next seven years. In 1978, he captured his first major international title at the Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada.

The pinnacle of his career arrived in 1980 when he triumphed at the Danish Open and the Swedish Open, but it was his victory over Indonesian rival Liem Swie King at the All-England Championship that etched his name in history and that is where when he achieved World Number 1 ranking.

Saina Nehwal (2015)

Saina Nehwal is a name synonymous with Indian badminton excellence. She made history by becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic medal and achieved the World number 1 ranking in women's singles on April 2, 2015. Her remarkable career is studded with milestones, including being the first Indian to reach the final of the BWF World Championships and winning the BWF World Junior Championships.

In 2006, Nehwal became the first Indian female and the youngest Asian to win a 4-star tournament. She also became the first Indian to win a Super Series title. Leading the Indian team in the 2014 Uber Cup, she remained undefeated, helping India secure its first-ever Uber Cup bronze medal. Nehwal's accomplishments continued to grow, including two singles gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and 2018.

Kidambi Srikanth (2018)

Kidambi Srikanth, born on February 7, 1993, has emerged as one of India's finest badminton players. He reached World Number 1 ranking and became the first Indian man to win a silver medal at the BWF World Championships. His journey from Guntur to the Pullela Gopichand Academy marked the beginning of an illustrious career.

In 2014, Srikanth announced his arrival on the global stage with a stunning victory over two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan in the final of the China Open, making him the first Indian to win a Super Series Premier men's title. Srikanth achieved the World number 1 ranking in 2018 during the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast after helping the Indian men's team clinch gold and also winning a silver medal in men's singles.

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty (2023)

Breaking the mold of singles dominance, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (Satwik-Chirag) have been a revelation in Indian badminton. This dynamic duo achieved the World number 1 ranking in men's doubles, a remarkable feat that showcases India's prowess in both singles and doubles formats.

Their ascent to the top was sealed with a historic gold medal at the 2023 Asian Games, marking India's first-ever badminton gold in the event. Satwik-Chirag's synergy and determination have propelled them to the summit of the rankings, securing their place in the pantheon of Indian badminton greats.

In a country where cricket often takes center stage, these badminton legends have shone brightly achieving World number 1 ranking, inspiring a new generation of players to dream big.