Badminton

Prakash Padukone, the legendary Indian badminton player, is relishing the vibrant atmosphere of the Paris Olympics Village. As part of PV Sindhu's coaching team, Padukone is sharing the space with some of the biggest names in sports, including Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal.Padukone's role in Team Sindhu is primarily tactical. While Agus Dwi Santoso focuses on enhancing Sindhu's stroke power and variety, Padukone guides her on the strategic deployment of those strokes. He emphasizes the importance of using the right strokes at the right time, a skill he honed during his illustrious career.Padukone's association with Sindhu began last year as a mentor. He has since accompanied her to several tournaments, aiming to restore her confidence and rediscover her winning ways. While Sindhu has shown glimpses of her former brilliance, Padukone acknowledges the challenges of transforming her game in a short period.Despite the time constraints, Padukone is confident in Sindhu's ability to contend for a medal in Paris. He believes her big-match mentality and unwavering focus on peaking at the right time will serve her well. Sindhu's impressive medal haul at major tournaments, including silver at the 2016 Rio Games and bronze in Tokyo, further bolsters Padukone's optimism.Padukone's presence in the Village is a testament to his enduring passion for badminton. He is eager to share his knowledge and experience with Sindhu and help her achieve her Olympic dreams. The camaraderie and shared experiences within the Village are also a source of inspiration for Padukone, who is embracing the spirit of the Games.

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 Contingent Arrives in Paris for 2024 Olympics, Medal Hopes HighThe Indian badminton contingent, including star players PV Sindhu, HS Prannoy, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, and Chirag Shetty, has arrived at the Olympic Village in Paris ahead of the 2024 Olympics. The opening ceremony for the Games is scheduled for July 26, with the badminton events commencing on July 27.India has high hopes for a medal in badminton, having won medals in the past three consecutive Olympics. Saina Nehwal became the first Indian badminton player to win an Olympic medal with a bronze at London 2012. PV Sindhu followed with a silver at Rio 2016 and a bronze at Tokyo 2020.Rankireddy and Shetty are among the top medal contenders in the men's doubles event. They have come to Paris on strong footing, having established themselves as one of the leading pairs in the world.The Olympic Village provides athletes with a unique opportunity to interact with international superstars from various sports. Rankireddy took advantage of this by getting a photograph with Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal. "With the beast," he captioned the photo on his Instagram story.At the Tokyo Olympics, Shetty had a similar encounter with Serbian tennis great Novak Djokovic. However, luck seemed to elude Indian athletes who took pictures with Djokovic, as both Shetty and Rankireddy were knocked out in the group stage of their respective events.India will be hoping for a change of fortune in Paris, with Sindhu, Prannoy, Rankireddy, and Shetty all aiming to make history and bring home a medal for their country.

The Paris Olympics, scheduled for 2024, is fast approaching, and nations worldwide are eagerly announcing their flag bearers for the prestigious sporting event. Team USA has made a significant announcement, naming the legendary LeBron James as their male flag bearer. The grand ceremony will take place on Friday along the River Seine, with James representing the male contingent of Team USA. The female flag bearer will be revealed on Tuesday."It's an incredible honor to represent the United States on this global stage, especially in a moment that can bring the whole world together," said James, the Los Angeles Lakers power forward, in a statement from the USOPC.India has also unveiled its flag bearers for the Paris Olympics: two-time Olympic medalist and 2019 World Champion in badminton, PV Sindhu, and veteran Table Tennis player Sharath Kamal. Sindhu, currently ranked World No. 12, has been a dominant force in Indian badminton for years. Her silver medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics against Spain's Carolina Marin made her the first Indian badminton player to reach the final of the showpiece event."I am also delighted to announce that India's only woman to win two Olympic medals, PV Sindhu, as the female Flag-bearer alongside Table Tennis ace A Sharath Kamal in the opening ceremony," said IOA president PT Usha.Japan has selected B-Boy Shigekix and fencer Emura Misaki as its flag bearers for the mega sporting event. Shigekix expressed his gratitude for the appointment, stating that it was a significant recognition not only for him but also for the entire breaking community.

Puma Celebrates Indian Olympic Athletes with Mumbai Outdoor CampaignIn the lead-up to the Paris Olympics, sports goods giant Puma has launched an outdoor campaign in Mumbai to honor the achievements of Indian athletes. The campaign, titled "See the Game Like We Do," celebrates the feats of 45 Indian athletes who will represent Puma at the Games.Among the athletes featured in the campaign are badminton star PV Sindhu, javelin thrower Kishore Jena, and hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. Sindhu's powerful smash, Jena's record-breaking throw, and Sreejesh's exceptional goalkeeping skills are showcased through larger-than-life outdoor spectacles across the city.Sindhu's smash, which reaches speeds of 349 kmph, is three times faster than the speed of Mumbai's iconic Central Line train route. Her achievement is visualized on coaches of the local train, highlighting her exceptional speed and power.Jena's best throw of 87.54m is commemorated with his image on the facade of a similar-sized structure in Prabhadevi. The towering image represents the height and distance of his record-breaking throw.Sreejesh's agility and skill are showcased on a digital billboard on the Eastern Express Highway, connecting Mumbai and Thane. The billboard captures his ability to stop the fastest balls with ease, highlighting his crucial role in the Indian hockey team's success.In addition to the outdoor campaign, Puma will provide over 100 Indian athletes with podium and travel footwear, trolleys, backpacks, and other essential gear designed to enhance their training and comfort during the Paris Olympics."The IOA is deeply committed to enhancing India's medal prospects at the Paris Olympics, and such collaborations are a crucial step towards achieving that goal," said IOA president PT Usha.Puma's partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) as their official footwear partner for the Olympics demonstrates the company's commitment to supporting Indian athletes and celebrating their achievements on the world stage.

Legendary Indian badminton player Prakash Padukone will serve as a mentor to the 15-member Indian badminton squad at the upcoming Paris Olympics, scheduled to commence on July 26. Padukone, who became the first Indian to win the prestigious All England Championship, retired in 1991, just before badminton made its Olympic debut at the 1992 Barcelona Games.Padukone's inclusion in the Indian contingent is particularly significant for two players: Lakshya Sen and P.V. Sindhu. Sen is a product of the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA), while Sindhu announced Padukone as her mentor ahead of the Paris Games after relocating her training base from Hyderabad to Bengaluru. Sindhu is preparing for her third Olympic appearance.The Indian badminton squad will also be accompanied by a team of eight support staff, including coaches and physiotherapists. Pullela Gopichand, the national chief coach, will lead the coaching staff, which also includes RMV Gurusaidutt, Agus Santosa, Vimal Kumar, and Mathias Boe. Zeinia Samar and Kiran Challagundla will serve as the team's physiotherapists.Gopichand is responsible for overseeing the national badminton program, while Gurusaidutt has been training HS Prannoy. Boe is the coach of the men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, as well as the women's doubles combination of Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto. Vimal Kumar, a former India coach, is currently training Lakshya Sen, while Agus has been training Sindhu in Bengaluru.Kiran Challagundla has been a long-time physiotherapist for the Indian badminton team, while Zeinia Samar recently joined Sindhu's camp after her move to Bengaluru in pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic medal.In the previous Olympics, Gopichand opted not to travel to Tokyo due to restrictions on the number of officials accompanying athletes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, at Paris, the Indian shuttlers will be aiming to continue their medal-winning streak, having secured a silver and two bronze medals over the past three editions of the Games.The badminton events at the Paris Olympics will commence on July 27 and conclude on August 5.

India's star shuttler P.V. Sindhu suffered a disappointing first-round exit at the Indonesia Open on Wednesday, losing to Hsu Wen-chi of Chinese Taipei in a thrilling three-game encounter. The match marked Sindhu's first defeat to Wen-chi and her earliest exit from the BWF Super 1000 tournament.Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist and former world champion, struggled to find her rhythm against the determined Taiwanese shuttler. Wen-chi took the first game 21-15, but Sindhu fought back to win the second 21-15. However, Wen-chi regained control in the decider, securing a 21-14 victory and ending Sindhu's hopes of a deep run in the tournament.The match lasted for an hour and 10 minutes, with Wen-chi showcasing her impressive defense and powerful smashes. Sindhu, known for her aggressive style, was unable to impose her game on her opponent.In other news from the Indonesia Open, the Indian women's doubles pair of Rutaparna Panda and Swetaparna Panda also suffered a setback. They lost to the sixth-seeded Korean duo of Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong in the round of 32, going down 12-21, 9-21.Sindhu's early exit from the Indonesia Open is a setback for the Indian badminton contingent. However, the tournament continues with several other Indian shuttlers still in contention, including Kidambi Srikanth, Lakshya Sen, and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty in the men's doubles.

PV Sindhu, HS Prannoy, and Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand emerged victorious in the opening round of the Singapore Open Super 750 Badminton Tournament on Wednesday. However, Lakshya Sen faced a disappointing defeat against world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen.Sindhu, a former Singapore Open champion, defeated world No. 21 Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt of Denmark 21-12, 22-20 in a 44-minute encounter. She will now face Rio Olympic champion Carolina Marin of Spain, who holds an 11-5 record against the Indian.Prannoy overcame a spirited challenge from Julien Carraggi of Belgium 21-9, 18-21, 21-9 to set up a meeting with Japan's Kenta Nishimoto. Commonwealth Games bronze medallists Jolly and Gopichand notched up a 21-7, 21-14 win over Cheng Yu-Pei and Sun Yu Hsing of Chinese Taipei in women's doubles.However, Lakshya Sen, who will make his Olympic debut in Paris, fought hard but lost 13-21, 21-16, 13-21 to Axelsen in a 62-minute battle. Kidambi Srikanth's opening round match ended in agony as he retired due to a knee injury after lagging 14-21, 3-11 against Japan's fifth seed Kodai Naraoka.In other results, Olympic-bound women's combination Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa lost 21-18, 19-21, 19-21 to Ukraine's Polina Buhrova and Yevheniia Kantemyr. Men's pair Krishna Prasad Garage and Sai Pratheek K suffered a 16-21, 22-24 loss to second seeded Chinese Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang. B Sumeeth Reddy and N Sikki Reddy lost 18-21, 19-21 to Malaysia's Goh Soon Huat and Lai Shevon Jemie in mixed doubles, while Venkat Gaurav Prasad and Juhi Dewangan lost 8-21, 8-21 against Mads Vestergaard and Christine Busch.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports' Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has extended financial support to Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen and other elite athletes in their preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics.Lakshya Sen, who will represent India in the men's singles event in Paris, will undergo a 12-day training stint in Marseille, France, from July 8 to 21. The training session will be held at The Halle des Sports Parsemain, where Sen will work with his coach and support staff.MOC has also approved double Olympic medalist PV Sindhu's proposal to train in Saarbrucken, Germany, for over a month. Sindhu will train at the Hermann-Neuberger Sportschule with her coach and support staff before heading to Paris.Under the Ministry's Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), MOC has sanctioned funding for the athletes' airfare, boarding/lodging costs, local transportation charges, Visa Fees, and shuttlecock expenses.In addition to Sen and Sindhu, MOC has approved support for other athletes, including table tennis player Sreeja Akula, archer Tisha Punia, golfer Aditi Ashok, and swimmer Aryan Nehra. TOPS will fund their airfare, accommodation, local transportation, equipment (for Akula and Nehra), and caddy fee (for Ashok).MOC has also expanded its TOPS Core group by including table tennis player Harmeet Desai and the Women's 4x400 Relay Team. Wrestlers Nisha (68kg) and Reetika (76kg) have been promoted to the Core group.Furthermore, promising golfer Kartik Singh has been inducted into TOPS Development, with a focus on the 2028 and 2032 Olympics in Los Angeles and Brisbane, respectively.These initiatives demonstrate the government's commitment to supporting elite athletes in their pursuit of Olympic glory. The financial assistance and training opportunities provided by MOC will enable these athletes to optimize their preparations and strive for success at the highest level.