Badminton

Lakshya Sen, India's rising badminton star, shared his Olympic experience with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a felicitation ceremony at the Prime Minister's residence on Independence Day. Sen, who made history as the first Indian shuttler to reach the semifinals in men's badminton at the Olympics, reflected on the challenges and cherished moments of his debut at the Games.Sen revealed that he had long matches right from the start, which required intense focus. Despite the demands of the competition, athletes made time to socialize, often having dinner and meeting other international athletes. "It was a big thing to share a dining room with some of them," Sen remarked, emphasizing the meeting with other athletes.He admitted, "As a first-time Olympian, I was nervous during my initial matches, especially with the pressure of performing in front of a massive crowd. However, as the tournament progressed, I regained confidence and settled into my game."Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged Sen's performance, reminding him, "You are from 'Devbhumi (Uttarakhand),' and you are a celebrity now." The Prime Minister's words highlighted the pride of the nation in Sen's achievements, even without a medal.In response, Sen shared a behind-the-scenes story, mentioning that coach Prakash Padukone took his phone during his matches to help him stay focused. "Prakash Sir had taken away my phone during the matches, and said you won't get it until the matches are over," Sen said.Sen, made history as the first Indian shuttler to reach the semifinals in men's badminton at the Olympics. He topped his group with victories over top players like Indonesia's Jonatan Christie and compatriot HS Prannoy in the round of 16. He also stunned Chou Tien-chen in the quarterfinals. But he fell short of bagging his maiden Olympics medal after losing to world no. 1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the semifinal.Reflecting on the overall support he received, Sen expressed, "It was heartbreaking, coming so close to a win but falling short in the end."PM Modi then offered words of encouragement to a shuttler from Almora, stating, “It would have been great if you came back with a medal, but still, you played well. But, people watch with excitement, not just from abroad, but children in our country are inspired by how well you played in the Olympics.”Sen concluded by expressing his determination to continue improving his game, practicing hard, and serving as an inspiration to young badminton players in India.

Lakshya Sen has etched his name in Indian sporting history by becoming the first Indian male shuttler to reach the men's singles semi-finals at the Olympics. In a thrilling quarterfinal encounter that lasted 70 minutes, Sen overcame the challenge of China's Chou Chen in a hard-fought three-game battle.The opening game was a closely contested affair, with both players trading blows. However, Chen managed to snatch the game 21-19. Undeterred, Sen regrouped and dominated the second game, winning it 21-15.In the decisive third game, Sen showcased his exceptional skills and tactical prowess. He controlled the pace of the game, forcing Chen into errors and dictating the rallies. With a commanding 21-12 victory, Sen sealed his place in the semi-finals.Sen's historic achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian badminton. He joins the illustrious company of Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, who have previously reached the Olympic semi-finals in women's singles. Sindhu is the only Indian shuttler to have played in an Olympic final, winning a silver medal in 2016.In the semi-finals, Sen will face the winner of the match between top seed Viktor Axelsen of Denmark and Singapore's Loh Kean Yew. Axelsen is the reigning world champion and a strong contender for the gold medal, while Yew is a rising star who has impressed with his performances in recent tournaments.Sen's journey to the semi-finals has been marked by resilience and determination. He has overcome tough opponents and challenging conditions to reach this historic milestone. His success is a testament to his hard work, talent, and the unwavering support of his coaches and team.As the Indian contingent continues its quest for medals at the Tokyo Olympics, Lakshya Sen's achievement has ignited a wave of excitement and pride across the nation. His historic run has inspired countless young athletes and badminton enthusiasts, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

PV Sindhu, India's badminton icon, is determined to make history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by becoming the first Indian to win three consecutive individual Olympic medals. Her journey to the podium has been marked by unwavering focus, relentless effort, and a deep understanding of the sport.Sindhu's Olympic debut in Rio 2016 was a resounding success, where she clinched a silver medal in women's singles. Her performance in Tokyo 2020 was equally impressive, earning her a bronze medal. These achievements have cemented her status as one of the world's top badminton players.As she prepares for Paris 2024, Sindhu is drawing inspiration from her past experiences. She recognizes the immense competition she will face, but her determination remains unshaken. "The Olympics is where I give my 200%," she says. "I hope I can fulfill the hope of the nation and get the third medal."Sindhu's training regimen is meticulously planned, focusing on both physical and mental preparation. She is fortunate to have the guidance of legendary Indian badminton player Prakash Padukone as her mentor. "It is my fortune that Prakash sir is my mentor," she says. "I hope his support can help me win that medal."Sindhu's illustrious career has been adorned with numerous accolades. She has won five BWF World Championship medals, including a gold, and an Olympic silver and bronze. Her Commonwealth Games achievements include gold in 2022, silver in 2018, and bronze in 2014 in the women's singles event.As the countdown to Paris 2024 continues, Sindhu's unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and sports enthusiasts alike. Her journey to the podium is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and the unwavering belief in one's abilities.

Indian badminton star Parupalli Kashyap recently shared an unforgettable encounter with legendary cricketer MS Dhoni at a wedding. Kashyap, a former Commonwealth Games gold medalist and husband of former world no. 1 shuttler Saina Nehwal, initially introduced himself as Saina's spouse, assuming that Dhoni might not recognize him.However, to Kashyap's surprise, Dhoni not only recognized him but also addressed him as a fellow teammate. "I met Dhoni at a wedding recently. I introduced myself as Saina's husband. I thought I am Saina's plus one here so some people who follow sport might recognize me. I am a cricket and Dhoni fan. So, when I met him, he told me 'pata hai bhai. I play badminton. I know who you are and you don't need to tell me that you are Saina's husband.' He spoke to me like a friend, as if I am his teammate," Kashyap recounted on Nikhil Tho Natakalu's podcast.Dhoni, fondly known as Thala, is a revered figure in Indian cricket, having led the team to three ICC trophies and Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles. His exceptional batting skills and astute leadership have earned him immense respect and admiration.Kashyap, on the other hand, has made significant contributions to Indian badminton. He was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2012 for becoming the first Indian men's badminton player to reach the quarterfinals at the Olympics. He also clinched the gold medal in men's singles at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.The meeting between Kashyap and Dhoni highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists within the Indian sporting fraternity. It also underscores the growing popularity of badminton in India, which has produced world-class players like Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu.

Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, the dynamic Indian men's doubles badminton pair, have etched their names in history as the first Indian duo to ascend to the world No. 1 ranking. Their remarkable journey, marked by unwavering determination and a shared passion for the sport, has culminated in this unprecedented achievement.Their partnership, forged in the crucible of adversity, has blossomed into a formidable force on the international stage. Despite initial language barriers and contrasting playing styles, Shetty and Rankireddy have overcome these challenges through open communication and a willingness to adapt.Shetty, known for his powerful smashes, credits his volleyball background for his exceptional technique. His ability to generate immense speed and precision has earned him a Guinness World Record for the fastest hit in badminton. Rankireddy, on the other hand, brings a unique blend of agility and finesse to the court.Their training regimen is a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence. They meticulously hone their skills through rigorous drills, focusing on both power and defense. Shetty emphasizes the importance of developing muscle memory and perfecting their net game.Beyond their physical prowess, Shetty and Rankireddy share a deep connection that transcends the court. Their shared love for South Indian music has created a unique playlist that fuels their competitive spirit. From Rajnikanth's iconic anthems to Shah Rukh Khan's Bollywood hits, their music serves as a source of inspiration and motivation.Their partnership has not been without its challenges. Shetty initially felt burdened by the pressure of playing with Rankireddy, but through open dialogue and the guidance of their coach, they have forged a bond that has propelled them to the pinnacle of the sport.Rankireddy describes their connection as a "soul talk" that allows them to communicate seamlessly on the court. Their ability to anticipate each other's movements and adapt to changing game situations has made them a formidable force against even the most seasoned opponents.As they prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Shetty and Rankireddy are determined to continue their winning streak. Their unwavering belief in their abilities and their unwavering support for each other make them serious contenders for the coveted gold medal.