Badminton

Indian para-badminton star Manisha Ramdass has advanced to the women's singles semifinals in the SU5 category at the Paris Paralympics, keeping India's medal hopes alive. However, Mandeep Kaur and Palak Kohli's campaigns ended in the quarterfinals with contrasting defeats.Ramdass, 19, who has Erb's palsy affecting her right arm, dominated Japan's Mamiko Toyoda 21-13, 21-16 in the quarterfinals. The second-seeded Indian needed just 30 minutes to dispatch her unseeded opponent. In the SU5 category, players have impairments in their upper limbs.In the SL3 category, Mandeep Kaur faced a tough challenge against Nigeria's third-seeded Bolaji Mariam Eniola, losing 8-21, 9-21 in 23 minutes. It was her second consecutive defeat to Eniola, having lost in the group stage as well. The SL3 category is for players with severe lower-limb disabilities who compete on a half-width court.Palak Kohli, a para world championship bronze medalist, fought hard in the SL4 category but fell short against Indonesia's Khalimatus Sadiyah 19-21, 15-21 in 28 minutes. SL4 is a class for athletes with less severe lower-limb impairments than in SL3.Later in the day, Nithya Sivan Sumathy will compete in the quarterfinals of the SH6 category against Poland's Oliwia Szmigiel. In the men's singles, Suhas Yathiraj and Sukant Kadam will face off in an all-Indian semifinal in the SL4 category. Nitesh Kumar will take on Japan's Daisuke Fujihara in the SL3 category semifinal.

Indian para-badminton players Nitesh Kumar and Sukant Kadam have secured their spots in the semifinals of the men's singles SL3 and SL4 categories, respectively, at the Paris Paralympics.Nitesh, a silver medalist at the Asian Para Games in 2021, dominated his last group match against Thailand's Mongkhon Bunsun, winning 21-13, 21-14. This victory earned him the top spot in Group A, with Bunsun also qualifying as the second-place finisher.In the SL3 class, which caters to players with severe lower limb disabilities, the top two finishers from each of the two groups advance to the semifinals. Nitesh's compatriot Manoj Sarkar, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo Paralympics, defeated China's Yang Jianyuan 21-1, 21-11 in a match that had no bearing on the semifinals qualification.Sukant Kadam joined his fellow Indian Suhas Yathiraj in the semifinals of the men's singles SL4 class, which is for athletes with lower limb impairments and minor balance issues. Kadam defeated Thailand's Teamarrom Siripong 21-12, 21-12 to top Group B. This was his second consecutive win in the three-player group.In the women's singles SL3 category, Mandeep Kaur advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Australia's Vinot Celine Aurelie 21-23, 21-10, 21-17. Kaur finished second in Group B, with Nigeria's Bolaji Mariam topping the group and securing a semifinal berth.In mixed doubles, the Indian pair of Suhas Yathiraj and Palak Kohli lost their opening match in the SL3 category to the top-seeded Indonesian duo of Hikmat Ramdani and Leani Ratri Oktila. Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan also suffered a defeat in the SL3 mixed doubles, losing to the French team of Faustine Noel and Lucas Mazur. However, Nithya Sivan Sumathy and Sivarajan Solaimalai registered a victory in the SL3 mixed doubles, defeating Thailand's Natthapong Meechai and Chai Saeyang.

Indian Paralympians Shine in Paris, Badminton Star Sivarajan Solaimalai ImpressesThe Indian contingent at the Paris 2024 Paralympics has made a strong start, returning with four medals on Friday. While not all athletes have secured podium finishes, many have showcased exceptional performances, including badminton star Sivarajan Solaimalai.In a men's singles SH6 group play stage match against Hong Kong's Man Kai Chu, Solaimalai displayed remarkable skill and determination. A video of the match has gone viral, capturing the duo's intense rally and awe-inspiring shots.Indian para shuttlers have performed exceptionally well on Day 3 of the Paralympic Badminton event, with several advancing to the next stages. In the men's SL3 category, Kumar Nitesh dominated China's Yang Jianyuan, securing a straight-sets victory. Suhas L Yathiraj also impressed in the SL4 category, defeating Korea's Shin Kyung Hwan in a thrilling match.The women's category has also seen strong performances. Thulsimathi Murugesan and Nithya Sre both booked their spots in the semifinals with impressive victories. However, Mansi Joshi, Manoj Sarkar, and Palak Kohli faced tough opponents and were unable to advance.Despite these setbacks, India's athletes remain focused and determined. This year's contingent is the largest ever, with 84 athletes competing across 12 sports. India aims to surpass its previous achievements in Tokyo, where it won 19 medals, including five golds.

India's Nitesh Kumar, a 29-year-old IIT Mandi graduate, has secured a spot in the semifinals of the men's singles SL3 group A para badminton competition at the Paris Paralympics. Kumar, who suffered a permanent leg injury in an accident in 2009, displayed exceptional skill and determination in his second match, defeating China's Yang Jianyuan in straight games (21-5, 21-11).Kumar's victory ensures him a top-two finish in the four-man group, with the top two players from each group advancing to the semifinals. He will face Thailand's Bunsun Mongkhon in his final group match.However, Manasi Joshi and Manoj Sarkar's hopes of reaching the semifinals were dashed after they suffered their second consecutive defeats. Joshi, a 2019 World Champion, narrowly lost to Ukraine's Oksana Kozyna (21-10, 15-21, 21-23) in her second women's singles SL3 Group A match. Sarkar, a Tokyo bronze medalist, also faced defeat, losing to Bunsun (19-21, 8-21) in his second Group A match.In the mixed doubles SL3-SU5 group stage, Nitesh Kumar and Thulasimathi Murugesan lost to the Indonesian pair of Ramdani Hikmat and Oktila leani Ratri (15-21, 8-21). Suhas Yathiraj and Palak Kohli also suffered a defeat to France's Lucas Mazur and Faustine Noel (15-21, 9-21) in their second group A mixed doubles match.

Lakshya Sen, India's rising badminton star, made history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by becoming the first Indian male shuttler to reach the semi-finals. However, his Olympic dream was shattered as he narrowly missed out on a medal, losing to Viktor Axelsen in the semi-final and Lee Zii Jia in the bronze medal match.Despite the disappointment, Sen's performance was a testament to his talent and hard work. He displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, showcasing his potential as a future champion.After his semi-final loss, Sen expressed his devastation at not being able to secure a medal for India. He acknowledged that he could have been more clinical in the crucial stages of the match. However, he remained positive, recognizing that there were areas where he could improve.Prakash Padukone, a legendary Indian badminton player, expressed his disappointment but also emphasized the need for Indian players to deliver results, given the support they receive. He pointed out that Sen had performed well but could have done better.Sen acknowledged Padukone's advice and appreciated the support he received from the badminton community. He highlighted the guidance and encouragement he received from Prakash Padukone and his daughter, Deepika Padukone.Despite the setback, Sen remains determined to achieve his Olympic dream. He is confident that he can learn from his experiences and return stronger in the future. His performance at the Paris Olympics has ignited hope and inspiration among Indian badminton fans, who believe that he has the potential to become one of the greatest players in the sport.

Seasoned Indian shuttler HS Prannoy has announced a break from badminton to prioritize his recovery from the debilitating effects of chikungunya. The 32-year-old, a key member of India's historic Thomas Cup triumph in 2022, has been battling persistent joint pain caused by the mosquito-borne viral disease.Prannoy's decision comes after a challenging period marked by a series of illnesses, including a chronic stomach disorder and a nagging back injury. Despite his physical struggles, he displayed remarkable resilience at the Paris Olympics, winning both his Group matches before bowing out in the pre-quarterfinals to compatriot Lakshya Sen."Unfortunately, the battle with chikungunya has taken a toll on my body, leaving me with persistent pains that make it impossible to compete at my best," Prannoy wrote in a statement. "After careful consideration with my team, I've decided to withdraw from some of the upcoming tournaments to focus on recovery."Prannoy's absence will be a significant blow to the Indian badminton contingent, which is preparing for a busy schedule of international tournaments. However, the shuttler emphasized his determination to return stronger and expressed gratitude for the support he has received during this challenging time."Thank you for your understanding and support during this challenging time. I'll be back stronger," he added.Prannoy's decision highlights the importance of prioritizing health and well-being in the pursuit of sporting excellence. While his absence from the badminton circuit will be felt, his commitment to recovery and his unwavering spirit will undoubtedly inspire others.

Lakshya Sen, India's rising badminton star, has embarked on a journey to Austria to undergo a comprehensive physical evaluation at the renowned Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre in Salzburg. This assessment aims to optimize his fitness and performance ahead of the upcoming BWF circuit tournaments.The 22-year-old Almora native, who narrowly missed an Olympic medal in Paris, will undergo a series of tests to gain a detailed understanding of his physical capabilities. The evaluation will focus on specific strength aspects, which are crucial for elite athletes.Lakshya's trainer, Gaurav, and 15-year-old junior shuttler Nishchal Chand from Uttarakhand will accompany him during his week-long stay in Austria. Chand's presence will ensure that Lakshya remains sharp and engaged with the game.Vimal Kumar, Lakshya's coach, emphasized the importance of this assessment in preventing injuries and maximizing his potential. "Lakshya needs to improve his fitness, especially his speed and endurance," Kumar said. "The game he plays is fast-paced, and he needs to be able to defend and convert defense into offense effectively."Kumar also highlighted the challenges of playing in windy conditions, which require exceptional fitness and the ability to control the drift of the shuttle.Lakshya's upcoming tournament schedule includes the Hong Kong Super 500 and China Open Super 1000 in late September. The physical evaluation in Austria is expected to provide valuable insights that will help him prepare for these tournaments and beyond.

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.

Lakshya Sen's Olympic Journey: A Tale of Promise and Missed OpportunityAt the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024, Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen showcased his immense talent, winning five consecutive matches before falling short in the final two, ultimately finishing fourth in the men's singles event. Reflecting on his performance, Lakshya has identified a crucial factor that contributed to the shift in momentum during his bronze medal match.In the semi-final, Lakshya faced eventual gold medalist Viktor Axelsen, leading by five and seven points in the first and second sets, respectively. However, he lost both sets, a setback that he attributes to unforced errors. "In crucial situations, I could've played differently," he admitted. "I didn't play well at all in the end, and there were a lot of unforced shots. I needed to be a bit more patient."In the bronze medal match against Lee Zii Jia, Lakshya won the opening game but lost the subsequent two. He pinpointed a specific area of the court as a contributing factor. "In the second game, that side of the court had some drift," he explained. "Even after the lead, I knew I couldn't control the shuttle. And then the momentum suddenly changed, and he started playing better."Despite the disappointment of not medaling, Lakshya remains optimistic about the future. "Overall, in how I played, there were some things I was happy and proud about at Paris," he said. "But this is gonna hurt for some time. I'm looking to add and change a lot of things moving forward."Lakshya's journey at the Paris Olympics serves as a testament to his potential and the challenges he faces. At just 23 years old, he has time on his side to improve and potentially become an Olympic medalist in the future. Even Viktor Axelsen, the reigning Olympic champion, has praised Lakshya's abilities, predicting that he will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come.