India has emerged as a badminton powerhouse since the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, achieving remarkable success in team events like the Thomas Cup and Badminton Asia Championships. The nation’s dominance at the Commonwealth Games and breakthroughs at the Asian Games have fueled anticipation for the Paris Olympics, where India is poised to make a significant impact. With seven players across four categories, India is set to field its largest ever Olympic badminton team, marking only the second time since the sport’s debut in 1992 that India will have such a strong representation.
Leading the charge is two-time Olympic medalist P V Sindhu in women’s singles, joined by H S Prannoy and Lakshya Sen in men’s singles, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in men’s doubles, and Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto in women’s doubles. The rise of the men’s doubles pair of Satwik and Chirag has been a driving force behind India’s recent achievements. Under the guidance of former Danish doubles champion Mathias Boe, the duo has consistently performed at the highest level, capturing titles across various BWF World Tour events and achieving a historic World No. 1 ranking. Their impressive journey includes a World Championships bronze medal, an Asian Games gold, and an Asian Championships title, marking a new era for Indian men’s doubles.
However, the men’s doubles category is highly competitive, with all top-10 pairs vying for supremacy. Satwik and Chirag, despite their World No. 3 ranking, must remain vigilant in Paris, where every match in the group stage could significantly impact their qualification for the knockout stage. The pair’s recent victory at the French Open, held at the same venue as the Olympics, provides a boost of confidence and underscores their potential to contend for a medal.
While India’s previous Olympic medals in badminton have come from singles events, P V Sindhu is aiming for her third Olympic medal. Despite a recent setback due to an ankle injury, her experience from previous campaigns and her training under badminton legend Prakash Padukone offer a glimmer of hope. Her ability to navigate a favorable draw could play a crucial role in her quest for another Olympic podium finish.
Making their Olympic debuts, Prannoy and Lakshya face a unique set of challenges. Prannoy, despite a stellar 2023 season with a World Tour title, World Championships bronze, and Asian Games bronze, has struggled in 2024 due to health problems and a decline in form. Commonwealth Games gold medalist Lakshya has also endured a challenging period, missing out on the Asian Games singles category due to a loss to Kidambi Srikanth in the trials. However, his recent performances at the French Open and All-England Open have re-energized his campaign, securing his Olympic spot. Both players have the potential to upset top-ranked opponents, but consistency will be key to a successful Olympic run.
The women’s doubles pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto have emerged as a surprise contender. The duo’s strong partnership, forged in 2023, has yielded three consecutive finals in India and a qualification for the Olympics. Their impressive performances in Malaysia and Madrid have solidified their position as a threat to higher-ranked teams. Ashwini, a veteran of the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, has provided valuable guidance to Tanisha, adding an element of experience to their partnership.
The badminton competition at the Paris Olympics will take place from July 27 to August 5 at the 8,000-seat Porte de la Chapelle Arena. As India’s badminton team sets its sights on a record-breaking medal haul, the anticipation for their performance is palpable. With a mix of veteran experience and emerging talent, India’s badminton contingent is poised to make its mark on the world stage.
