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.

PV Sindhu's mentor, Prakash Padukone, believes India has a strong chance of winning three badminton medals at the Paris Olympics, including a historic hat-trick for Sindhu. India's seven-member badminton squad includes Sindhu, the high-flying men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, and other promising players.Padukone is confident in Sindhu's ability to secure her third consecutive Olympic medal. "She has worked incredibly hard for that," he said. "Her preparations have gone well, and she is playing well in practice sessions."Padukone has been focusing on improving Sindhu's tactics and strategy on the court. "I am focusing on tactics and strategy on the court, on what strokes to use when, and a little to do with the mind," he explained. "We've worked on her mental strength and strategy, ensuring she makes better use of the right strokes."Despite Sindhu's lack of titles this year, Padukone believes her ability to perform under pressure will be an asset at the Olympics. "Expectations are lower, and even reaching the quarterfinals will be seen positively," he said. "But I am looking beyond that. If she is able to reproduce the form, like what she's doing in practice, I think she'll do better than in past tournaments."Padukone also identified Rankireddy and Shetty in men's doubles, Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy in men's singles as potential medal contenders. "We have a chance in all three events: men's singles, women's singles, and men's doubles," he said. "The men's doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have been very consistent and have beaten top players."Badminton matches at the Paris Olympics will begin on Saturday, July 27. India's strong squad and Padukone's guidance give them a realistic chance of achieving their medal goals.

PV Sindhu, India's two-time Olympic medalist, is considered an "underdog" for the upcoming Paris Olympics, according to former Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap. However, Kashyap emphasizes that Sindhu's reputation and big-match experience will make opponents wary of her.Despite not being in top form since recovering from a knee injury, Sindhu's Olympic pedigree and past achievements give her an edge. Kashyap believes that opponents will be cautious when facing her, even if her recent form suggests otherwise.Since the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Sindhu has faced challenges with injuries and inconsistent performances. However, Kashyap highlights her attacking style and fitness level as strengths that make her a formidable opponent in major events.In the men's singles category, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are considered title contenders for India. Kashyap believes their success in the Asian Games, Asian Championships, and World Championships makes them one of the favorites for the gold medal.Their main competitors are expected to be the Chinese and Korean pairs. Kashyap notes that the Chinese pair has recently defeated Satwik-Chirag, while the Koreans have also posed a challenge.HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen are seen as "dark horses" in the men's singles draw. Kashyap praises Lakshya's performance in the All-England final and his qualification for the Olympics despite a tough period. He also highlights Prannoy's multiple Super Series wins and medal-winning performances in the World Championships and Asian Games.Both Prannoy and Lakshya have proven their ability to perform under pressure, especially in big matches. Kashyap believes they have the potential to upset higher-ranked opponents and progress in the tournament.

PV Sindhu, India's badminton ace, is leaving no stone unturned in her quest for an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic medal at the Paris Games. Her unwavering determination is evident in her rigorous training regimen, which includes innovative techniques and a diverse range of sparring partners.To simulate the high-altitude conditions of Paris, Sindhu created a hypoxic chamber in her room in Germany, where she slept for several days. This technique helps her body adapt to the reduced oxygen levels, enhancing her performance at higher altitudes.Sindhu has also honed her strokes and improved her consistency during long rallies under the guidance of her mentor, Prakash Padukone. She emphasizes the importance of playing the right stroke at the right time, a skill she has developed through sparring with players of varying styles.In Germany, Sindhu trained with left-handed players, attacking players, and even two opponents simultaneously. This diverse training environment has equipped her to handle different playing styles and adapt quickly to changing conditions.Sindhu's journey to the Olympics has been marked by both triumph and adversity. In Rio 2016, she was an underdog, while in Tokyo 2020, she carried the weight of expectations. Now, in Paris, she aims to strike a balance between the two, hoping for a podium finish that would cement her legacy as India's greatest athlete.

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.

Sharath Kamal, India's veteran table tennis star, is preparing for his fifth and final Olympic Games in Paris. At 42, he recognizes the importance of staying sharp and pushing himself beyond his comfort zone. To achieve this, he has enlisted the help of German coach Chris Pfeiffer and his younger brother, Rajath Kamal.Chris, who previously coached the German under-21 national team, emphasizes the need for Sharath to improve his backhand. "At your age, it's hard to cover the whole table with just your forehand," he says. "So we have to work on your backhand, make that our goal for the Olympics."Sharath acknowledges the value of Chris's guidance. "I need somebody to keep pushing me, getting me out of my comfort zone. Chris is that guy. To keep moving and to stay active is the German way."Rajath, a former player turned performance analyst, provides Sharath with technical insights and helps him break down old habits. "Since I've been playing the game for a long time, certain old habits linger," says Sharath. "But the game has changed. So, he sits down with videos of my play, breaks down those old habits and says 'okay we can't be doing that any longer'."The sibling dynamics between Sharath and Rajath can sometimes be challenging. "Obviously Rajath has a lot of respect for me as a player," says Sharath. "But I want him to tell me what he really thinks."Despite the occasional sibling rivalry, Rajath's calm demeanor helps Sharath stay focused. "What's best about him is he's really calm, so it also helps me stay calm when he's around," says Sharath.Chris and Rajath will both be by Sharath's side in Paris. Chris admires Sharath's dedication and perseverance. "For an athlete of his age to push himself toward a fresh goal is just so inspiring to watch," he says. "I can't say there are too many like him."

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.