Badminton

India's Lakshya Sen's Denmark Open campaign came to an abrupt end on Tuesday as he succumbed to a three-game defeat against China's Lu Guang Zu in the opening round. The 2021 World Championship bronze medalist squandered an early advantage, losing 21-12 19-21 14-21 in a grueling 70-minute encounter.Sen, who finished fourth at the Paris Olympics, had previously suffered a second-round exit at the Arctic Open in Finland last week. His loss in Odense marks another setback in his post-Olympic campaign.Meanwhile, double Olympic medalist PV Sindhu advanced to the second round after her opponent, Pai Yu Po of Chinese Taipei, retired midway through the second game with the score reading 21-8 13-7 in favor of the Indian.However, Malvika Bansod, who reached the quarterfinals at the China Open, failed to overcome the opening hurdle, losing 13-21 12-21 to Vietnam's Nguyen Thuy Linh in women's singles. Aakarshi Kashyap also faced an early exit, falling 13-21 12-21 to seventh-seeded Thai shuttler Supanida Katethong.In women's doubles, the Panda sisters, Rutaparna and Swetaparna, also made a first-round exit, losing 18-21 22-24 against Chinese Taipei's Chang Ching Hui and Yang Ching Tun.Sen, who was competing in his second event since the Olympics, started strongly against Lu, keeping pace with his Chinese rival before pulling ahead at 8-8 and taking an 11-9 advantage at the break. The Indian extended his lead to 20-11 with a seven-point burst, comfortably pocketing the opening game.However, Lu rallied in the second game, narrowing the gap to 11-12 and eventually taking a 19-18 lead. Sen drew parity, but Lu secured the required two points to script a comeback.In the decider, Lu maintained his composure and pulled ahead to 14-9, while Sen struggled to keep pace. Lu seized six match points and sealed the victory when Sen went long.

Double Olympic medalist PV Sindhu's Arctic Open Super 500 campaign came to an abrupt end in the round of 32, as she succumbed to a 16-21, 10-21 defeat against Canada's Michelle Li. However, rising Indian shuttler Malvika Bansod continued her impressive form, stunning world No. 23 Sung Shuo Yun 21-19, 24-22 to advance to the women's singles pre-quarterfinals.Bansod's victory is a testament to her growing prowess on the international stage. The 23-year-old southpaw, who clinched her first title in over two years at the Azerbaijan International in February, showed her resilience in a hard-fought match that lasted 57 minutes.In the next round, Bansod will face a formidable challenge in the form of either Ratchanok Intanon, the 2013 world champion from Thailand and tournament top seed, or Wang Zhi Yi, the 2022 world champion from China.Meanwhile, Aakarshi Kashyap also secured a place in the pre-quarterfinals with a 21-19, 21-14 victory over Germany's Yvonne Li in another women's singles contest.Sindhu's early exit marks her first tournament since the Paris Olympics. The 27-year-old Indian, who has won two Olympic medals (a silver in Rio 2016 and a bronze in Tokyo 2020), will be hoping to bounce back in her next outing.

Thirteen-year-old Tanvi Patri from Odisha has emerged as a rising star in Indian badminton, capturing the girls' singles title at the U-15 Badminton Asia U-17 & U-15 Junior Championships in Chengdu, China. Her victory marks a significant achievement for India, offering a glimmer of hope amidst recent struggles in the sport.Patri's journey to the top began in China, where her parents worked as software professionals. She first picked up badminton at the age of eight and quickly displayed exceptional talent. After returning to India in 2020, she joined the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA) in Bangalore, where she has honed her skills under the guidance of renowned coaches.In Chengdu, Patri showcased her resilience and determination, fighting back from a deficit in the opening game to secure a 22-20, 21-11 victory over Vietnam's Thi Thu Huyen Nguyen. Her performance throughout the tournament was flawless, as she did not drop a single game.Vimal Kumar, Director of PPBA, sees great potential in Patri, comparing her to the early days of P V Sindhu, one of India's most celebrated badminton players. "She has a long way to go, but with her temperament, she has great potential," said Kumar.Patri's parents, Rabinarayan Patri and Sailabala Panda, have been instrumental in her success. Rabinarayan, who works from home, accompanies Patri to the academy and provides unwavering support.Patri's achievements extend beyond the U-15 Badminton Asia Championships. She has also won the U-15 and U-17 girls' singles titles in the All India sub-junior ranking tournaments and the gold medal in the 35th Sub-Junior National Championships.Her success has not come without challenges. In 2022, she reached the quarterfinals at the German Junior International in Berlin, but was forced to withdraw due to an injury. However, she has bounced back stronger than ever, proving her determination to reach the highest levels of the sport.As Patri continues to develop, she is expected to be a strong contender for the 2028 or 2032 Olympics. Her talent, resilience, and unwavering support system make her a promising star in Indian badminton.

India's Top Shuttlers Withdraw from BWF Japan OpenIndia's top badminton players, including PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, and the men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, have withdrawn from the upcoming BWF Japan Open, scheduled to commence on August 24.The Badminton World Federation (BWF) confirmed that defending champion Viktor Axelsen, fresh from winning his second Olympic gold medal, will be among the star attractions in the tournament. However, there have been several high-profile withdrawals, including Olympic champions Zheng Si Wei/Huang Ya Qiong, Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik, Chen Yu Fei, and Apriyani Rahayu/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti.Lakshya Sen came close to winning the bronze medal for India in the Paris Olympics but lost to Axelsen in the semifinals. Other prominent withdrawals from India include Priyanshu Rajawat, Sameer Verma, Sankar Muthusamy, and Pusarla V Sindhu.Despite the withdrawals, the field in all categories remains strong. Shi Yu Qi, Jonatan Christie, Anders Antonsen, Kodai Naraoka, and Kunlavut Vitidsarn are expected to compete in men's singles, while Tai Tzu Ying, Akane Yamaguchi, Wang Zhi Yi, and Gregoria Mariska Tunjung will be in action in women's singles.In men's doubles, world champions Seo Seung Jae/Kang Min Hyuk will be looking for their first Japan Open title, while in women's doubles, local hopefuls Chiharu Shida/Nami Matsuyama and Mayu Matsumoto/Wakana Nagahara will attempt to break the Korean success streak.Olympic bronze medallists Yuta Watanabe/Arisa Higashino will defend their mixed doubles title, with the field also featuring world champions Seo Seung Jae/Chae Yu Jung, Olympic silver medallists Kim Won Ho/Jeong Na Eun, and Indonesia Open winners Jiang Zheng Bang/Wei Ya Xin.

India's badminton contingent at the Paris Olympics failed to secure a medal, despite high expectations and a roster featuring some of the country's top players. Prakash Padukone, a legendary former Indian shuttler and mentor to Lakshya Sen, expressed disappointment and urged the players to take responsibility for their underwhelming performances.Lakshya Sen, who became the first Indian male shuttler to reach an Olympic semi-final, squandered an opportunity to bring home a medal, according to Padukone. The Indian men's doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were knocked out in the quarterfinal, while two-time medallist PV Sindhu bowed out in the round of 16 in women's singles.Padukone emphasized that the players have received adequate support from the government and that they should not blame external factors for their failures. "After Milkha Singh in '64 and PT Usha in the '80s, we have so many fourth-place finishes. I think it's high time that the players also take responsibility," he said.Padukone urged the players to introspect and question whether they are working hard enough. He pointed out that they have access to excellent facilities and support staff, which is not the case in many other countries.Regarding Lakshya Sen's defeat, Padukone was particularly critical of the way he squandered his 1-0 lead against Lee Zii Jia in the bronze medal match. "He could have definitely gotten a medal," Padukone said. "He cannot give this as an excuse. Take the responsibility and work harder."Padukone's comments highlight the need for Indian badminton players to step up and deliver when it matters most. They must take ownership of their performances and strive for excellence, rather than relying solely on external support.

Keerthana Sai Nalla, a 26-year-old Indian badminton enthusiast, has altered her plans to witness the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite securing a new job in Germany and wanting to return home before starting it, her passion for badminton and the allure of watching PV Sindhu's historic Olympic quest have compelled her to extend her stay in Paris.Nalla's love for badminton has been a constant throughout her life, despite her family's frequent relocations due to her father's military service. She has been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness the sport live at the Olympics, particularly the performances of the Indian men's doubles team of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.Sindhu, a double Olympic medalist and Nalla's all-time favorite sportsperson, is aiming for a record third Olympic medal, a feat no Indian has ever achieved. Nalla is determined to witness Sindhu's journey and has purchased tickets for the badminton matches."This is my best chance to watch Sindhu in action at the Olympics, so I am going to be around till the badminton games are done," said Nalla, who attended the Games live at Arena Porte de La Chapelle in Paris on Sunday.The Indian pair of Satwik and Chirag's victory over France's Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar in straight games further solidified Nalla's decision to stay back. "Badminton is my highlight at the Olympics, I really love that game," she added.Nalla is actively monitoring the Paris 2024 official ticket resale website for tickets to the women's singles semi-finals, where she expects Sindhu to reach. Her unwavering passion for badminton and the opportunity to witness history unfold have made her sacrifice her original plans and embrace the unforgettable experience of the Paris Olympics.

Lakshya Sen's stunning victory over Jonatan Christie at the Paris Olympics has sent shockwaves through the badminton world. The Indian shuttler, ranked 22nd in the world, upset the third-seeded Indonesian, who is considered a favorite for the men's singles gold medal.Sen's triumph marks a significant milestone in his career, as he had previously lost four consecutive matches to Christie. The Indonesian has been in dominant form this year, winning the Asian and All England championships. However, Sen's determination and tactical brilliance proved too much for Christie on Wednesday.In the first game, Christie took an early lead but Sen fought back to level the score at 8-all. The Indian continued to attack the net and exploit Christie's errors, eventually winning the game 21-18.The second game was even more one-sided, as Sen gained confidence from his first-game victory. He built a solid lead at the mid-game interval and never looked back, winning 21-12.Sen's victory is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has consistently performed well on the big stage, including winning the Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2022. His victory over Christie is a major boost for India's hopes of winning a badminton medal at the Paris Olympics.Meanwhile, PV Sindhu also advanced to the women's singles Round of 16 with a comfortable victory over Kristin Kuuba of Estonia. The double Olympic medalist won in just 34 minutes, barely breaking a sweat.Sindhu will face a tougher test in the next round when she takes on Chinese sixth seed He Bing Jiao. The two players have a close head-to-head record, with Sindhu winning the most recent encounter in the bronze medal playoff at the Tokyo Olympics.

Indian Badminton Duo Rankireddy and Shetty Aim for Olympic GloryDefending Asian and Commonwealth Games champions in men's doubles, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, embark on their Paris Olympics campaign with high hopes of securing a medal for India. The former World No.1 pair will face the French duo of Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar in their opening match later today.Rankireddy and Shetty are considered India's top medal prospects in badminton, alongside two-time Olympic medalist P.V. Sindhu. Sindhu aims to become the first Indian sportsperson to win medals in three consecutive Olympic Games editions.Long-jumper Murali Sreeshankar believes that Rankireddy and Shetty have the best chance of returning home with a medal. "We hope they can replicate the performances they have delivered over the last couple of years," said Sreeshankar, who is an Olympics Expert for JioCinema. "Satwik and Chirag won a gold medal in men's doubles at the Asian Games, which is much tougher than doing so at the Olympics because, at the Asian Games, you compete against two Chinese teams, whereas, in the Olympics, only the top-16 in world ranking can participate."Sreeshankar emphasized the importance of the Asian Games gold medal in boosting the morale of the Indian pair. "They just need to continue doing what they have been doing and concentrate on the process," he said. "Their track record is so good that if they just focus on the process, I'm sure they will be able to win a medal and be proud of themselves."Rankireddy and Shetty have been in impressive form in recent years, winning the India Open and the Thailand Open in 2023. They also reached the semifinals of the All England Open and the World Championships in 2022.The Indian duo will face stiff competition in Paris, with several top-ranked pairs in the fray. However, their experience and determination will make them a formidable force. If they can maintain their focus and execute their game plan, Rankireddy and Shetty have the potential to create history and bring home an Olympic medal for India.

The 2024 Paris Olympics commenced with a spectacular opening ceremony on Friday, marking the beginning of the quadrennial sporting extravaganza. India has sent a contingent of 117 athletes to the Games, with high hopes of securing a significant medal tally.India's badminton contingent is led by the illustrious PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist. The dynamic duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will also represent India in the men's doubles category, emerging as strong contenders for the gold medal. India's badminton campaign commences on Saturday.Former Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap has identified Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy as the "dark horses" of the team. This is the first time since 2004 that two Indian men will compete in the Olympics. Kashyap believes that both players possess the potential to cause major upsets."I think Lakshya and Prannoy are one of the dark horses in the draw. Both of them, especially Lakshya, played the All-England final two years back. During the Olympic qualification, he came out of a tough qualification period. He had a couple of first-round losses, but the way he qualified by making it to two semi-finals and getting good wins against top-level opponents... It shows his caliber," Kashyap stated.Kashyap emphasized that both Lakshya and Prannoy have faced adversity and emerged victorious. He highlighted their experience in the Thomas Cup-winning team and their ability to perform in high-pressure matches. "They are capable of anything but are surely the dark horses. They can beat anyone in the draw, be it Li Shi Feng or Victor. I won't say they are the favorites, but they have a huge chance to create upsets and progress in the tournament," he added.PV Sindhu will also be aiming to break her title drought. Kashyap believes that Sindhu, who last won the Commonwealth Games gold in 2022, will be an "underdog" but her opponents will be wary of her credentials. "It's her third Olympics, she won two medals in the last two Olympics and several world championship medals. So I think she feels she has an edge already even though her ranking doesn't say it or her recent form doesn't say it," said Kashyap."In major events, I think the opponents also are a little wary of her even though she's not in form. I think she's going as a dark horse and underdog considering the last two years of women's singles," he added.Catch all the live action from Paris 2024 exclusively on JioCinema & Sports18.