Badminton

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, is facing the reality that her illustrious career may be nearing its end.Nehwal's knee injury, aggravated by arthritis, has severely limited her training hours. "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 body is no longer capable of the rigorous training required to compete at the highest level has forced Nehwal to confront the possibility of retirement. "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's decision will be influenced by the impact retirement 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 remains proud of her accomplishments. "I have also had a long career and I am very proud of that. I have broken my body to a great extent. I am happy with what I have done and given it all," she said.The Padma Shri awardee expressed her disappointment at missing the Olympics for two consecutive editions. "Competing at the Olympics is a childhood dream for all. You prepare to reach that level for years. Hence, at times, when you realize you will not be able to make it, it hurts a lot," 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 she contemplates her future, Nehwal remains grateful for the support she has received throughout her career. "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.

Ace badminton player Saina Nehwal's recent confession that she was unaware of javelin as an Olympic sport until Neeraj Chopra's gold medal victory in 2021 has sparked a debate about the limited knowledge of athletes outside their own disciplines.Nehwal's admission, made during an interview with journalist Shubhankar Mishra, highlights the intense focus and dedication required in professional sports, which often leaves little time for exploring other disciplines. "When Neeraj won, that is when I got to know about athletics has got this game too," she said. "You'll gain knowledge only when you see it, right? If you don't see, how will you know?"Nehwal's comments resonated with many athletes who acknowledged the challenges of staying abreast of other sports while pursuing their own. "It's not that you don't want to know, but you're so busy in your own field, how much time do you get deep into something else?" she explained. "If not you'll have to Google everything non-stop. If you're perfect in your own field, that's more than enough."However, Nehwal's remarks also drew criticism from some who questioned her lack of awareness about a major Olympic event. "Very surprising that a sportsperson of Saina Nehwal's calibre should feign ignorance about javelin event," said one user on social media.Despite the controversy, Nehwal's comments underscore the importance of specialization in elite sports. Athletes must dedicate countless hours to training, competition, and recovery, leaving little time for pursuing other interests. As a result, it is not uncommon for athletes to have limited knowledge of sports outside their own.Nehwal's experience also highlights the need for greater cross-promotion and awareness of different sports. By showcasing the achievements of athletes in various disciplines, sports organizations and media outlets can help broaden the knowledge of fans and athletes alike.

Former Indian cricket captain Sunil Gavaskar has come to the defense of badminton legend Prakash Padukone, who recently called for players to take responsibility for India's disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics. Padukone's comments came after Lakshya Sen squandered two opportunities to win a medal, losing in the semifinals and bronze medal match.Gavaskar argues that Padukone's remarks were justified, as players today receive ample support from federations and the government. He believes that players should be held accountable for their performances, rather than making excuses.Gavaskar also criticized Lakshya Sen's performance, saying that he "lost his trend of thought and concentration" in crucial moments. He emphasized the importance of mental toughness and focus, which cannot be taught by coaches but must come from within the athlete.This was the first time in 16 years that India did not win a medal in badminton at the Olympics. Earlier, double-Olympic medalist PV Sindhu suffered a shocking exit in the pre-quarters, while the Asian Games champion pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were stunned in the quarters.Gavaskar's comments have sparked a debate, with some criticizing Padukone for being too harsh on Lakshya Sen. However, Gavaskar maintains that his remarks were well-intentioned and aimed at motivating players to perform better in the future.

At the recently concluded Paris 2024 Olympics, Chinese badminton star He Bing Jiao etched her name in the annals of sportsmanship with a heartwarming gesture towards her injured rival, Carolina Marin. After securing the silver medal in the women's singles competition, Bing Jiao held aloft a pin representing Spain, Marin's home country, during the medal ceremony. This act of solidarity and respect resonated deeply with the sporting world.Marin, a former Olympic champion, was forced to withdraw from her semifinal match against Bing Jiao due to a devastating knee injury. The incident occurred during the second game when Marin landed awkwardly on her surgically repaired knee. Despite her injury, Marin returned to the court and played two more points before retiring, ending her hopes of a second Olympic gold.Bing Jiao's tribute to Marin was widely lauded as a testament to the true spirit of sportsmanship. In the final, Bing Jiao faced South Korea's An Se Young, ultimately losing in straight sets to take the silver medal.PV Sindhu, who has also faced major injuries in the past, expressed her support for Marin via a heartfelt social media post. "To one of my greatest rivals and dearest friends on the tour, I am sending all the positive energy in the world your way," Sindhu wrote. "Your willpower, sheer determination, and uncanny ability to put players under pressure are unmatched."Bing Jiao and Sindhu's actions are a testament to the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists among top athletes, despite the intense competition on the court. Their gestures serve as a reminder that sportsmanship and empathy transcend the boundaries of victory and defeat.

Viktor Axelsen, the reigning Olympic champion from Denmark, successfully defended his title in the men's singles badminton event at the Paris Olympics. In a dominant performance, Axelsen defeated Thailand's world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn in straight sets (21-11, 21-11) in just 52 minutes.Axelsen, the second seed, was backed by a boisterous crowd of Danish fans at La Chapelle Arena. He quickly established his dominance, building a commanding lead in the first game. Despite a promising start from Vitidsarn, Axelsen's superior experience and tactical prowess proved too much to overcome.In the second game, Axelsen unleashed his full arsenal of shots, including powerful smashes and precise drop shots. Vitidsarn fought valiantly, but Axelsen's relentless pace and unwavering focus proved insurmountable.With the victory, Axelsen became the first man to retain the Olympic men's singles title since Chinese legend Lin Dan, who won in 2008 and 2012. The 30-year-old Dane celebrated his triumph by grabbing a Danish flag and running around the arena."To be honest, I didn't even know how I would like to celebrate when I won because I was so focused on winning," said Axelsen. "I was so focused on being calm and playing the right shots."Vitidsarn's silver medal marked Thailand's first-ever Olympic medal in badminton. The Thai player made a strong start but was unable to match Axelsen's consistency and power.In the bronze medal match, Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia defeated India's Lakshya Sen in three sets (13-21, 21-16, 21-11).China continued its dominance in badminton, topping the medals table for the seventh straight Olympics. The Chinese team won gold medals in the mixed and women's doubles events. Taiwan won the men's doubles gold, while South Korea's An Se-young claimed the women's singles title.

India's Olympic badminton medal drought extended to 13 years as Lakshya Sen succumbed to a 13-21, 21-16, 21-11 defeat against Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia in the men's singles bronze playoff at the Paris Olympics.Sen, ranked 22nd in the world, started brightly, taking the first game with ease. However, Lee, the seventh seed, fought back in the second game, using his superior reflexes and powerful smashes to level the match.In the decider, Lee took control from the outset, leading 7-2. Sen's body language betrayed his lack of confidence, and he made numerous errors. Lee extended his lead and eventually sealed the bronze medal with a body smash.This was Malaysia's second badminton medal of the Games, after Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik claimed bronze in men's doubles. For India, it was a disappointing end to a tournament that had promised so much.Sen's loss marked the first time since 2008 that India had failed to win an Olympic badminton medal. Saina Nehwal had won a bronze in women's singles in London 2012, while PV Sindhu had claimed silver and bronze in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021 respectively.Despite the setback, Sen's performance in Paris was a testament to his growing maturity and potential. The 21-year-old has established himself as one of the most promising young players in the world, and he will be determined to bounce back from this disappointment and challenge for medals in future tournaments.

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's Olympic journey came to an end in the pre-quarterfinals, as she succumbed to China's He Bing Jiao in a hard-fought match. Despite her meticulous preparations, Sindhu admitted that her defense proved to be her Achilles' heel.Sindhu's training regimen included a camp in Germany and collaboration with her mentor, Prakash Padukone. However, she acknowledged that the outcome was ultimately beyond her control. "We've done whatever we could. Rest is destiny. I don't regret it," she said.Throughout the match, Sindhu displayed moments of brilliance, dictating points with her powerful smashes. However, Bing Jiao's superior defense and relentless attack proved too much to overcome. "I should have controlled in terms of a little bit of mistakes on my defense," Sindhu reflected.The first game was a nail-biter, with both players locked at 19-19. Sindhu lamented her inability to convert that crucial point, believing it could have altered the course of the match. "It's sad that I couldn't convert it to win, especially in the first game," she said.In the second game, Sindhu attempted to unsettle Bing Jiao with smashes, but her opponent's defense remained impenetrable. "Her defense was really good today. She was taking everything," Sindhu said.Despite the disappointment, Sindhu remained philosophical about her performance. "It's been a wonderful journey so far. There were ups and downs, and I came back from an injury," she said. "You can't expect easy wins or picking the form at the right time. Sometimes it might not be your day."When asked about her plans for the next Olympics, Sindhu remained non-committal. "It's still four years away. So for me, right now, I just go back and rest for a bit, maybe just take some break and then come back and let's see what it is," she said.

In a poignant moment at the Paris Olympics, Thai badminton star Ratchanok Intanon defeated her long-time rival Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei in their final Olympic match. The victory was bittersweet for Intanon, who knew it would be Tai Tzu's last match before retirement.Intanon, who had lost to Tai Tzu in the Tokyo Olympics quarterfinals, expressed her emotions after the match. "I must do it (win) this time because I don't know about the next four years, whether I can play the next Olympics," she said. "We will miss each other. We have the same style, when we play it's like facing the mirror."Tai Tzu, known as "Queen Tai" by her fans, had announced that Paris would be her final season. Despite returning from a knee injury, expectations were high for the 30-year-old, who had come close to winning gold in Tokyo. However, she left the arena in tears after her defeat."I wasn't ready for this event before I came here," said Tai Tzu. "I know I'm not in the best condition, but I tried my best."Despite her immense talent and skill, Tai Tzu has never won a major gold medal. She has been ranked world No.1 for a record 214 weeks, won the BWF World Tour Finals four times, and the All England Open and Asian Championships three times each. However, the Olympics and World Championships have eluded her.Tai Tzu's case is reminiscent of Malaysian great Lee Chong Wei, who also lost three Olympic and World Championships finals. Both players have been considered among the all-time greats despite not winning a major title.Tai Tzu's retirement will leave a void in the badminton world. Her quick feet, fluid movement, and deceptive wristwork made her one of the most formidable and entertaining players of her generation. Her fans will surely miss her artistry and guile on the court.