Women's Doubles shuttlers who have mathematically qualified for Paris Olympics

Published at :April 20, 2024 at 9:24 AM

Modified at :April 20, 2024 at 9:24 AM

(Courtesy : BAI)

Ashwini Ponnappa will become third Indian badminton player to feature in three Olympics.

The Paris Olympics are just around the corner, with less than 100 days to go, and nations worldwide are focusing on the competition. Badminton, one of the primary sports at the Summer Olympics, made its debut at the 1992 Barcelona Games. Since then, it has been a staple event, and the 2024 edition will mark the ninth time the sport has been included in the quadrennial games.

The competition will feature five categories: Singles and Doubles for both Men and Women, along with a Mixed Doubles event. The 16 highest-ranked pairs in the “Race to Paris Ranking Lists” as of April 30, 2024, will qualify for the Olympics. The qualification period, which began on May 1, 2023, is set to conclude by April 28, 2024. Let’s take a look at the women’s doubles pairs who have secured their spots for Paris.

Chen Qingchen/Jia Yifan – China

The world’s No. 1 pair, Chen Qingchen, and Jia Yifan will enter the Paris Olympics as favorites. After clinching the World Tour Finals in 2023, they maintained their stellar form into 2024, securing the French Open title. The Chinese pair have secured their tickets and aim to surpass their performance from their maiden Olympics in Tokyo, where they earned the silver medal.

Baek Ha-na/Lee So-hee – South Korea

If there is a team poised to challenge the world No. 1 ranked team, it would be the South Korean pair, Lee So-hee and Baek Ha-na. The duo has been on a dream run in 2024, having clinched the All England Open title in the last fortnight. In the previous two Olympics, Lee finished in 5th and 4th place, respectively.

Nami Matsuyama/Chiharu Shida – Japan

Closely trailing the South Korean pair are Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida, who were runners-up at the All England Open. The Japanese duo has been in top form, having reached the finals in their last two tournaments. They have secured their spot in the Top 16 and are definitely one of the teams to watch in the upcoming Olympics.

Liu Shengshu/Tan Ning – China

According to the rules of the BWF and the Olympic committee, only two teams from a country can participate in an event. In addition to the world No. 1 team, Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning have become the second Chinese pair to secure a spot in the women’s doubles event at the Olympics. It would not be surprising if fans were to see two Chinese flags during the medal ceremony.

Kim So-yeong/Kong Hee-yong – South Korea

One of the most loved teams in the Women’s doubles circuit among Badminton circles is Kim So-yeong and Kong Hee-yong. The ever-smiling pair displayed some scintillating Badminton in the last few years. It was a Bronze medal finish at Tokyo. The 2022 Uber Cup Champions would want to improve their performance as they will aim to finish higher on the podium.

Apriyani Rahayu/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti – Indonesia

The reigning Women’s Doubles Olympic Champion, Apriyani Rahayu, will aim to defend her title in Paris, partnered with Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti. This young pair has the potential to defeat any team on their day and they strive to maintain simplicity in their approach. Badminton holds the distinction of being the only sport in which Indonesia has won an Olympic gold medal. Rahayu and Ramadhanti will once again bear the nation’s aspirations for this illustrious achievement.

Pearly Tan/Thinaah Muralitharan – Malaysia

While Malaysia is regarded as a powerhouse in badminton, the spotlight has traditionally been on the men, with stars like Lee Chong Wei becoming fan favorites. However, the women’s doubles team of Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan has captured the fans’ attention with their victories at the Commonwealth Games and the French Open. The Malaysian duo aspires to round out their achievements by securing an Olympic medal as well.

Jongkolphan Kititharakul/Rawinda Prajongjai – Thailand

Another nation that will ping their hopes on a women’s doubles is Thailand as the pair of Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai have booked their seats in Paris. They will look to win the country’s first medal in Badminton. This partnership has been on the circuit for almost a decade and this experience will be crucial when they take the big stage.

Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto- India

India’s top women’s doubles pair, Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa, have mathematically qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 through their consistent performances in the Olympic cycle. Their qualification ensures India will field a seven-member contingent, matching the record from Rio 2016. Ashwini Ponnappa will become the third Indian badminton player to feature in three Olympics, joining PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal in this elite club.

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