Badminton

Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen is gearing up for the Paris Olympics, which begin next week, with a focus on improving his net game and addressing his tendency to concede points late in matches. The world No. 19 has been drawn in a tough Group L alongside Indonesian rival Jonatan Christie (WR 3), Guatemala's Kevin Cordon (WR 41), and Belgium's Julien Carragi (WR 52).Sen has been working diligently on his overall game, including defense, attack, and net play. He has also been paying special attention to closing out matches strongly, an area where he has struggled in the past."We have focused a lot on overall improving the game and we had a good time for the last 6-7 weeks where I could really work on all the areas of the game," Sen said. "From defense to attack and overall, we have tried to get better at everything, and at the same time, worked a lot on the areas (in) which I was not really good at (and) maybe give extra time on the net game, the defense and also closing stages."Sen is also adjusting to the different shuttle movement in Marseille, France, where he is currently training. He expects similar conditions in Paris and believes it is important to be sharp and aggressive in the closing stages of matches."It is important to be sharp and be aggressive. (In the) last few days, we are still trying to get good match practice here, play short games and also have a good match practice session so that I am sharp towards the end of the game," Sen said.The 22-year-old is set to represent India in his first Olympics and is determined to top his group. He is confident in his preparation and believes he can perform at his best."I'm thinking about the first match and also winning the group because it's a quite a tough group. Overall I feel really prepared to go out there and perform my best and the training has been good," Sen said. "Now it's just a matter of going there, settling in, and being ready for each match. I'll just take one match at a time as of now and give my best at the Olympics."Sen is aware of the potential pre-quarterfinal clash with compatriot HS Prannoy but is focused on topping his group first."We have seen the draw. It is a potential pre-quarter final but there is a lot of work to do before that. I am really focused on topping the group right now and then let's see what happens," he said.

India's badminton legacy at the Olympics has been built on the shoulders of Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, who have won medals in each of the last three Games. However, as Sindhu prepares for her third Olympic medal in Paris, the baton may have already been passed to two young men: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.Despite a disappointing group stage exit in Tokyo 2020, Satwik-Chirag have emerged as one of India's brightest medal prospects for Paris 2024. Ranked third in the world, the duo has achieved remarkable success since Tokyo.They played a pivotal role in India's historic Thomas Cup triumph, becoming the first Indian doubles pair to win the prestigious title. Their dominance continued at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games, where they clinched gold in the Men's Doubles event.In October 2023, Satwik-Chirag reached the pinnacle of their careers by becoming the first Indian doubles pair to be ranked world no. 1. This achievement earned them the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award at the end of the year.Their physical attributes give them a significant advantage on the court. Both men stand over 6'0" tall, allowing them to deliver powerful smashes. Satwik, in particular, holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest badminton smash at 565 km/h.Satwik-Chirag have consistently reached the final stages of tournaments, including three finals in 2024 alone. Their impressive form and world ranking make them one of the favorites to win the men's doubles gold in Paris.With Sindhu aiming for a third Olympic medal and Satwik-Chirag in top form, India is poised to continue its badminton success in Paris. The duo's achievements and potential suggest that they are ready to carry forward the legacy established by Nehwal and Sindhu.

PV Sindhu, India's badminton icon, is determined to make history at the upcoming Paris Olympics by becoming the first Indian to win an unprecedented third individual Olympic medal. Having already secured a silver in Rio 2016 and a bronze in Tokyo 2020, Sindhu is laser-focused on capturing the elusive gold in Paris.In an exclusive interview with JioCinema's 'The Dreamers,' Sindhu expressed her unwavering motivation to achieve this historic feat. "That third medal at Paris definitely motivates me, and I am going all-out to get that gold medal. For me, the Olympics is where I give my 200%," she said.Sindhu's journey to the Olympics has been marked by both triumph and adversity. She draws inspiration from her past experiences, acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. "There are a lot of experiences from my previous outings at the Olympics that I will take into Paris 2024, but I don't want to get overconfident thinking about the medals," she said.The Indian star understands the intense competition she will face in Paris. "The Olympics is extremely competitive, and all the athletes are at their peak. The top 10-15 players in the world are of the same standard," she said.Despite the formidable competition, Sindhu remains confident in her abilities. "My mindset is focused on winning the gold and this gives me a lot of motivation and confidence," she said.Sindhu's preparation for Paris is meticulous and comprehensive. "My preparations are focused on putting in the hard work while being smart and focused on that particular day," she said.She is fortunate to have the guidance of badminton legend Prakash Padukone as her mentor. "This time, we have a whole new team with Prakash (Padukone) sir as my mentor and Agus (Dwi Santoso) as the new coach. Our practice is focused at getting everything perfect and to the point," she said.Sindhu's illustrious career has been adorned with numerous accolades, including five BWF World Championship medals, an Olympic silver and bronze, and multiple Commonwealth Games medals. She is determined to add to her legacy by etching her name in the annals of Olympic history.

Seasoned Indian badminton player H.S. Prannoy is determined to overcome a series of health setbacks and make his Olympic debut in Paris later this month. Despite battling a chronic stomach disorder, a nagging back injury, and a recent bout of chikungunya, Prannoy remains focused on building his stamina and preparing for the challenges ahead.Under the guidance of his coach, former player RMV Gurusaidutt, Prannoy has implemented specific drills to address his minor issues, particularly related to speed and endurance. Gurusaidutt believes that Prannoy's ability to step up on big occasions will serve him well in Paris.Despite facing six first-round exits and only one semifinal and one quarterfinal appearance this year due to his health issues, Prannoy has persevered. Gurusaidutt emphasizes the importance of flexibility and unpredictability in Prannoy's game, as well as the need to counter opponents' attacks while avoiding becoming too defensive.Prannoy himself aims to approach the Olympics with a relaxed mindset, focusing on enjoying the experience and treating it as just another tournament in his career. He believes that getting back to basics and simplifying his approach will help him perform at his best.

Lakshya Sen's journey to the pinnacle of badminton has been marked by unwavering determination and a unique bond with his coach, Vimal Kumar. From a precocious 10-year-old to a world-class athlete, Lakshya's rise has been guided by Vimal's unwavering support and unconventional approach.In a pivotal match at the All England Open, Lakshya faced adversity against Anders Antonsen. Despite trailing in the decider, he rallied back with Vimal's fiery guidance. The match culminated in a thrilling victory, showcasing the resilience and fighting spirit that has become synonymous with Lakshya's game.Vimal's influence extends beyond the court. He has fostered an environment where Lakshya is encouraged to challenge authority and develop his own perspective. This approach has instilled in Lakshya a sense of independence and responsibility, empowering him to make informed decisions about his career.Lakshya's journey has not been without its challenges. As a teenager, he spent time in Denmark, living independently and honing his skills. This experience taught him the importance of self-reliance and the value of seeking opportunities beyond his comfort zone.Post-pandemic, Lakshya embarked on a new phase of his career, traveling alone to tournaments. This decision was driven by a desire to develop his ability to manage his own recovery and preparation. It also served as a rehearsal for the upcoming Olympics, where he will be without the support of a coach or physio.Lakshya's success has brought with it increased brand recognition and endorsement offers. Vimal has advised him to invest his earnings back into the sport, ensuring that he has the resources to continue his pursuit of excellence.As Lakshya prepares for the Olympics, Vimal remains confident in his abilities. He believes that Lakshya has the potential to achieve a medal, but emphasizes that the journey itself is of paramount importance.Lakshya's rise to the top is a testament to the power of determination, self-belief, and the unwavering support of a mentor who believes in his potential. As he embarks on the biggest stage of his career, Lakshya carries with him the lessons learned from his journey, guided by the unwavering presence of Vimal Kumar.

Indian badminton stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have been handed a favorable draw for the upcoming Paris Olympics, scheduled to commence on July 26. The duo, who have enjoyed a remarkable run of success in recent years, have been seeded third in the men's doubles event.Satwik and Chirag, both 27 years old, have established themselves as one of the top pairs in the world. They claimed the prestigious Thomas Cup gold medal in 2022, becoming the first Indian team to achieve this feat. They also secured the Commonwealth Games gold medal in the same year, further cementing their status as a formidable force in the sport.In the lead-up to the Olympics, Satwik and Chirag have continued to impress. They captured the 2023 Asia Championships title, followed by victories at the French Open Super 750 and Thailand Open Super 500 tournaments. They have also reached two more finals in 2024, showcasing their consistency and ability to perform at the highest level.In the Olympic draw, Satwik and Chirag have been placed in Group C. Their toughest opponents are likely to be the Indonesian pair of Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto, who are currently ranked sixth in the world. The Indian duo will also face competition from the German combination of Mark Lamsfuss and Marvin Seidel (ranked 31st) and the French pair of Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar (ranked 43rd).The inclusion of Corvee and Labar in the draw was the result of a Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) hearing. The World Badminton Federation (BWF) had initially qualified 16 pairs for the men's doubles event, but CAS ordered the BWF to recommend to the International Olympic Committee that Corvee and Labar be included. This resulted in a revised 17-pair draw.Satwik and Chirag will be aiming to make a deep run in the Olympics and challenge for a medal. They have the experience, talent, and momentum to succeed on the biggest stage. Their favorable draw provides them with a good opportunity to advance to the knockout rounds and compete for a podium finish.

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.

Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy have been drawn into favorable groups for the upcoming Paris Olympics, scheduled to commence on July 26.Sindhu, the reigning world champion, has been seeded 10th and placed in Group M of the women's singles event. She will face Kristin Kuuba of Estonia (WR 75) and Fathimath Nabaaha Abdul Razzaq of Maldives (WR 111) in the group stage. While Sindhu's group appears relatively straightforward, she could potentially encounter China's sixth seed He Bing Jiao in the round of 16. Should she overcome Jiao, Sindhu may face Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei of China in the quarterfinals.Meanwhile, Prannoy, who will be making his Olympic debut, has been seeded 13th and drawn into Group K of the men's singles event. He will face Le Duc Phat of Vietnam (WR 70) and Fabian Roth of Germany (WR 82) in the group stage. The second Indian in the men's singles, Lakshya Sen, ranked 19, has been placed in Group L. He will face third seed Jonatan Christie of Indonesia, Kevin Cordon of Guatemala (WR 41), and Julien Carragi of Belgium (WR 52) in his group.In the women's doubles event, the Indian pairing of Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa has been drawn into a challenging Group C. They will face world number 4 Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida of Japan, Tokyo Olympics bronze medalists Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong of South Korea (WR 7), and Australians Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu (WR 27).The star Indian men's pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, seeded third in the men's doubles event, will have their draw postponed due to a Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) hearing over the number of pairs in the draw. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is yet to confirm the date of the draw.The badminton events at the Olympics will commence on July 27.

KKR's Angkrish Raghuvanshi Apologizes for Controversial Comment on Saina NehwalKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman Angkrish Raghuvanshi has issued an apology for his controversial comment directed towards Indian badminton icon Saina Nehwal. The incident occurred in the context of a broader discussion surrounding the recognition and rewards for athletes across different sports in India.Following India's victory in the ICC T20 World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a substantial cash prize for the team members. However, the Maharashtra government's decision to award cash rewards specifically for their state cricketers drew criticism from prominent Indian badminton player Chirag Shetty.Echoing a similar sentiment, Saina Nehwal expressed her concerns about the disproportionate attention and recognition that cricket receives compared to other sports in India. She highlighted the consistent performances and achievements of athletes in other sports, such as badminton, wrestling, and boxing.Reacting to Nehwal's comments, Raghuvanshi posted a controversial remark on social media, suggesting that she would struggle to face fast bowling from Jasprit Bumrah. The comment drew widespread criticism, prompting Raghuvanshi to delete his post and issue an apology."I'm sorry everyone, I meant my remarks as a joke, looking back I think it was a really immature joke. I realize my mistake and I sincerely apologize," Raghuvanshi said.The incident has sparked a debate about the need for greater recognition and support for athletes in non-cricket sports in India. Critics argue that the dominance of cricket in the media and public consciousness has led to a lack of appreciation for other sports and their athletes.