Badminton

In 2021, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty made a stunning debut at the Tokyo Olympics, upsetting eventual gold medalists Lee Yang and Wang Chi-Lin. Despite their initial success, a loss in their second match left their Olympic hopes hanging in the balance. They eventually recovered to win their final group game, but it wasn't enough to advance to the quarterfinals. The heartbreak left the pair and their coach, Mathias Boe, in tears.Three years later, Satwik and Chirag have emerged as heavyweights in men's doubles, a highly competitive category. Under Boe's guidance, they have won titles and set records, including a World Championships bronze, an Asian Games gold, an Asian Championships title, and a rise to the top of the world rankings. They also played a crucial role in India's historic Thomas Cup victory.As they prepare for the Paris Olympics, Satwik and Chirag are considered title contenders. Former India shuttler Parupalli Kashyap believes they have a strong chance of winning India's first-ever badminton gold at the Games. They are placed in Group C, with their only immediate threat being world no. 7 Fajar Alfian / Muhammad Rian Ardianto. However, Kashyap identifies world no. 1 Liang Weikeng / Wang Chang and the South Korean duo of Kang Min-hyuk / Seo Seung-jae as their toughest competitors.Kashyap also highlights the potential of HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen in the men's singles category. Prannoy is a multiple super series winner and World Championships medalist, while Sen has shown his ability to rise to the occasion in big matches. Kashyap believes both players have the potential to create upsets and progress in the tournament.

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.