In an exclusive interaction with IndiaToday.in, Badminton Association of India general secretary Sanjay Mishra said that he was expecting two to three medals from badminton in the Paris Olympics. It was a bold call given India have won just 3 medals in the sport in the entire history of the competition. Out of the three, two medals were won in 2016 and 2020, where PV Sindhu finished second and third respectively.
However, there might be some merit to the logic. The 7-member contingent for India is their strongest ever and consists of world beaters. India’s best singles player, HS Prannoy, world no. 3 doubles pairing Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty, and the unpredictable Lakshya Sen, are part of the men’s team. India’s most consistent big game player – PV Sindhu, will be at the helm of the women’s contingent alongside Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto.
The sport has grown by leaps and bounds in the country since the Thomas Cup 2022 win and has helped in the recognition of the players as well. The BAI general secretary revealed that the association has tried to increase cash rewards for the athletes, apart from giving them better facilities for training.
Paris Olympics 2024: Full Coverage
THE DRAWS
HS Prannoy, PV Sindhu and Satwik-Chirag have been handed relatively easy draws in their first round matches. Prannoy faces Fabian Roth in his opening round and is expected to qualify for the next one. Sat-Chi on the other hand are grouped with Alfian/Rian (6th ranked), Lamsfuss/Siedel (31) and Labar/Corvee (46). With two pairs set to qualify from doubles, it is expected to be an easy work for him.
Lakshya Sen has the toughest draw in his hands where he has to face Jonatan Cristie who is seeded as No. 3. Only one person qualifies from their group in men’s singles and Lakshya will have to battle hard to get out of that group. If he manages to reach the next round, he will face HS Prannoy and if he beats Prannoy as well, he will stand up against Japan’s Kodai Naraoka – No. 5 in the world.
Sindhu has also been handed an easy draw and is expected to make it to the second round and face He Bing Jiao, ranked 8th in the world.
In a closely fought sport as badminton, seeds, and rankings really matter little. The player who battles the conditions better generally wins, and that is where lies India’s biggest advantage, that all its players have the knack of rising to the big occasion.
HERE’S A LOOK AT THE BADMINTON CONTINGENT
PV Sindhu
Out of the three badminton medals that India have won in the Olympics, two have come from PV Sindhu. The veteran player has won silver and bronze in Rio and Tokyo Olympics respectively. The shuttler has been inconsistent of late, but given she is the only representative from India in women’s singles, she would hope to bring her best.
In big matches, Sindhu has a dominating presence due to her tall stature and her ability to smash the shuttlecork hard.
PV Sindhu is ranked 13 in women’s singles competition.
Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto
The duo of experience and youth Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto are the underdogs going into the Paris Olympics. They are ranked 19th in the world and recently finished third in the Thailand Open 2024.
HS Prannoy
The veteran Indian singles player is trying to be as mentally free as possible. The world No. 13 player is much better than what his ranking shows and has the ability to beat the top athletes in the world. Prannoy’s exceptional stamina and ability to play long rallies sets him apart from the rest. If he can manage his injury, Prannoy could be a real force to deal with.
Lakshya Sen
The Indian youngster is known in the world of badminton for his unpredictability. Lakshya’s ability and flair to play impossible shots makes him a really tricky opponent to face in the court.
The shuttler has had an inconsistent season after his nose surgery but finished third in the French and England Open this season. Ranked No. 19 in thw world, Lakshya will have an uphill task of facing Indonesia’s Jonatan Cristie – who is ranked No. 3 in the world.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty
By far India’s most feisty players in badminton. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are an absolute force to deal with. Their aggression and never-say-die attitude make them one of the dangerous pairing in the world of badminton and they are indeed India’s hope for a gold medal in Paris.
It would be historic if any of India’s men’s badminton players win a medal at the event. The three medals that Indian athletes have won in badminton have come from PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal. India have a strong field in badminton this time around and should expect at least one medal, and that might just be the first-ever gold medal.