Indian players to watch at Badminton Asia Championships 2024

Sindhu, Prannoy, Kidambi, Sen aim for medals.

In the last decade, the development of sports in India has been tremendous, with badminton being one of the primary contributors to India’s accolades. Notably, in the Olympics, India has consistently won medals in badminton, starting with Saina Nehwal’s bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics. Following an impressive performance in London, expectations were high for Rio.

However, 2016 proved to be a shocker as India managed to secure only two medals, with PV Sindhu’s silver medal in women’s singles being the highlight. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics saw Sindhu add a bronze medal to her collection, contributing to India’s best Olympic performance to date. With high ambitions for Paris 2024, the Badminton Asia Championships serve as a crucial launchpad.

Let’s examine the top Indian players in the Badminton Asia Championships fighting for the title.

Indian players to watch at Badminton Asia Championships 2024

PV Sindhu

PV Sindhu has been a significant figure in badminton over the past decade, thanks to her two Olympic medals. The 28-year-old aims to complete her Olympic medal collection in Paris, similar to her gold medal victory at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

However, she has not been in top form recently, failing to advance past the quarterfinals in individual events. Her gold medal in the team event at the Badminton Asia Championships should boost her confidence, which she hopes to carry into her performance in China.

HS Prannoy

HS Prannoy started 2024 with an impressive performance at the Indian Open but has since experienced a dip in form, exiting in the Round of 32 in the subsequent three tournaments. Despite this, the Delhi-born player had a memorable year in 2023, winning a bronze medal.

With his place in Paris secured, he aims to win a trophy before the multinational event. The 31-year-old athlete, despite multiple health setbacks, is dedicated to refining his skills at the Badminton Asia Championships and building momentum for the Olympics.

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Srikanth Kidambi

Srikanth Kidambi’s recent journey has been intriguing. The former World No. 1 and trailblazer for India in badminton has appeared less formidable in men’s singles. He played a pivotal role in India’s Thomas Cup victory in 2022, but his singles performance has since waned.

Facing a challenging draw at the Badminton Asia Championships, he will meet second-seeded Anthony Ginting in the opening match. His progress in the tournament will be closely watched.

Lakshya Sen

Lakshya Sen is on the verge of securing his spot in Paris, marking the first time in 20 years that India will have two players in the men’s singles event at the Olympics. This seemed unlikely at the year’s start, but the 22-year-old has had an exceptional few months, reaching the semifinals in both the French Open Super 750 and the All England Super 1000 events.

He eagerly anticipates competing at his best in the Badminton Asia Championships, where facing top-tier opponents will be a significant test for the young talent.

Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto

Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto make an exciting pair in women’s doubles, blending experience and youthful exuberance. Ashwini, a seasoned player, has previously won a bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships with her long-time partner Jwala Gutta. She now seeks to repeat this success with Tanisha, a UAE-born Indian player.

A victory would strengthen their case for inclusion in the Paris Olympics. Their performance in the upcoming championships is highly anticipated.

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