Badminton

Indian badminton star Chirag Shetty, one-half of the renowned men's doubles duo 'Sat-Chi' with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, has opened up about their disappointing quarterfinal exit at the Paris Olympics 2024. Despite a strong start in the knockout stage, Satwik and Chirag's Olympic medal hopes were dashed with a 21-13, 14-21, 16-21 loss.Speaking to ANI, Shetty expressed his disappointment over the quarterfinal exit, attributing it to "unlucky points and missed opportunities" in the third game. However, he remains optimistic about the duo's future prospects, stating, "We really wanted to go out there and win a medal for our country. Things did not go our way in the third game, but we gave it our all. Maybe next time around we will come with a medal."Shetty also revealed that he and Satwiksairaj are eager to return to action next month, with the latter currently undergoing rehabilitation for an injury. He praised their former coach, Mathias Boe, for his significant contributions to their success, saying, "When we started working with him, we were ranked eighth or ninth in the world. The journey from there to the number one spot, winning Asian Games gold, Thomas Cup, was a very fruitful journey."Under Boe's guidance, 'Sat-Chi' became a dominant force in badminton, securing multiple BWF titles, gold medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, the maiden Thomas Cup title, bronze at the World Championships, and gold at the Asian Championships. They also became the first Indian men's pair to achieve the top spot in BWF Rankings and secure a BWF Super 1000 title by winning the Indonesia Open last year.Despite the setback at the Olympics, Shetty and Satwiksairaj remain determined to achieve their Olympic dream. They are currently working hard to improve their game and are confident of making a strong comeback.

Saina Nehwal, India's badminton icon and former Olympic bronze medalist, has revealed her battle with arthritis, casting doubt on her future in the sport. The 34-year-old, who made history as the first Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal, has been hampered by injuries in recent years.Nehwal's knee condition has deteriorated to the point where she can no longer train for the extended hours required to compete at the highest level. "The knee is not very good. I have arthritis. My cartilage has gone to a bad state. It is very difficult to push for eight-nine hours," she said.The realization that her career is nearing its end has been a difficult one for Nehwal. "I think I will have to accept it somewhere. Because two hours of training is not good enough to play with the highest level of players and get the desired results," she admitted.Nehwal is considering retirement but is still weighing the impact it will have on her life. "I am also thinking about it (retirement). It will be sad because it is like a job that a normal person does. Obviously, a sportsperson's career is always a short one," she said.Despite the challenges, Nehwal looks back on her career with pride. She competed in three Olympic Games and gave her all in each one. "I have done a lot of hard work. I competed in three Olympics. I gave my 100 per cent in all of them. I can take pride in that and be happy about it," she said.Nehwal also spoke about the pressure of expectations that comes with being a top athlete. "When you become a big player, your friends, family, coaches, sponsors, everyone wants you to perform. There are a lot of stakeholders involved," she said.As Nehwal contemplates her future, she knows that she will have to make a decision by the end of the year. Her legacy as one of India's greatest badminton players is secure, but the question remains whether she will continue to push her body or step away from the sport that has defined her life.

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.