Badminton

Krishna Nagar, India's para badminton star, has faced countless challenges throughout his life. Despite being bullied for his short stature, he refused to let his dwarfism condition define him. Instead, he found solace in sports, excelling in cricket, football, volleyball, long jump, and sprints.In late 2017, Krishna's badminton journey began at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. He made history at the Tokyo Paralympics, becoming only the second Indian after Pramod Bhagat to win a gold medal. Now, as he prepares to defend his title in Paris, the 25-year-old is focused on maintaining composure and playing it safe."This is my second Paralympics, and there is some nervousness because it's a big tournament," Krishna said. "It's a dream to participate in such a prestigious event. My main aim is to defend the gold medal and live up to the expectations."Standing at about 4 feet 6 inches, Krishna is one of 13 Indian para badminton players set to compete in Paris. Life has not been easy for him even after Tokyo success. An injury threatened to thwart his progress, and losing his mother was a devastating setback.But the strong-willed athlete has risen above adversity. "Losing my mother was devastating," he said. "But time heals."Krishna's preparations for Paris have been focused on adapting his style to different conditions and opponents. "The game is evolving, and I'm focusing on adapting my style to different conditions and opponents," he said. "Whether fast or slow, I need to stay positive, keep the shuttle in play, and execute smashes safely."Krishna secured his first para World Championship title in February this year in Thailand, defeating China's Lin Naili in the final. "It's crucial to stay positive, play safe, and remain calm," he emphasized. "There are new players this time, and the competition is tougher. We need to be more agile and play with speed and positivity."When asked if the absence of Pramod Bhagat, a five-time world champion, increases the pressure on him, Krishna replied, "Not at all. It's the blessings and support of the people, the government, PCI, and BAI that have brought us this far. I know Pramod Bhaiya won't be there this time, but I'll do my best."Krishna acknowledged that Tokyo success redefined his life. "Life has changed completely since then," he said. "People have started recognizing para badminton and the Paralympics. In Tokyo, it was a big opportunity for us, there was a lot of excitement and curiosity. It was my first time, and I was nervous, but gradually things fell into place."

Lakshya Sen, India's rising badminton star, shared his Olympic experience with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a felicitation ceremony at the Prime Minister's residence on Independence Day. Sen, who made history as the first Indian shuttler to reach the semifinals in men's badminton at the Olympics, reflected on the challenges and cherished moments of his debut at the Games.Sen revealed that he had long matches right from the start, which required intense focus. Despite the demands of the competition, athletes made time to socialize, often having dinner and meeting other international athletes. "It was a big thing to share a dining room with some of them," Sen remarked, emphasizing the meeting with other athletes.He admitted, "As a first-time Olympian, I was nervous during my initial matches, especially with the pressure of performing in front of a massive crowd. However, as the tournament progressed, I regained confidence and settled into my game."Prime Minister Narendra Modi also acknowledged Sen's performance, reminding him, "You are from 'Devbhumi (Uttarakhand),' and you are a celebrity now." The Prime Minister's words highlighted the pride of the nation in Sen's achievements, even without a medal.In response, Sen shared a behind-the-scenes story, mentioning that coach Prakash Padukone took his phone during his matches to help him stay focused. "Prakash Sir had taken away my phone during the matches, and said you won't get it until the matches are over," Sen said.Sen, made history as the first Indian shuttler to reach the semifinals in men's badminton at the Olympics. He topped his group with victories over top players like Indonesia's Jonatan Christie and compatriot HS Prannoy in the round of 16. He also stunned Chou Tien-chen in the quarterfinals. But he fell short of bagging his maiden Olympics medal after losing to world no. 1 Viktor Axelsen of Denmark in the semifinal.Reflecting on the overall support he received, Sen expressed, "It was heartbreaking, coming so close to a win but falling short in the end."PM Modi then offered words of encouragement to a shuttler from Almora, stating, “It would have been great if you came back with a medal, but still, you played well. But, people watch with excitement, not just from abroad, but children in our country are inspired by how well you played in the Olympics.”Sen concluded by expressing his determination to continue improving his game, practicing hard, and serving as an inspiration to young badminton players in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a reception for the Indian contingent that participated in the recently concluded Paris Olympics. The event was held after the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort, where the athletes were also in attendance.During the reception, Modi interacted with the athletes, including Lakshya Sen, who finished fourth in the men's singles badminton competition. Modi praised Sen's performance and noted his growth since their first meeting. Sen revealed that his coach, Prakash Padukone, had taken away his phone during the matches to minimize distractions.Modi also had a light-hearted conversation with hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, who shared the team's experience of playing with 10 men for over 40 minutes in the quarterfinal against Great Britain. Singh credited the coaching staff and the team's motivation for their success in overcoming the adversity.The Prime Minister acknowledged the efforts of all the athletes who represented India and expressed his belief that the Paris Olympics will be a turning point for Indian sports. He emphasized the importance of learning from the experience and using it to prepare for the 2036 Olympics, which India is aiming to host.Modi termed the athletes as "India's soldiers of 2036 Olympics" and highlighted the value of their observations and experiences in planning for the future Games. He encouraged them to document their insights to ensure that India can provide the best possible facilities and management for the 2036 Olympics.

Indian Para Badminton Team Aims for 10 Medals at Paris Paralympics Despite Bhagat's SuspensionLUCKNOW: The Badminton World Federation's (BWF) 18-month suspension of Tokyo Paralympics gold medalist Pramod Bhagat for whereabouts failures has not dampened the spirits of the Indian para badminton team bound for Paris. Chief national coach Gaurav Khanna remains confident that the team can win 10 medals, including three golds, at the upcoming Games."We were aware of the action against Bhagat and had planned our training accordingly. His absence won't affect our plans," Khanna said. "I am sure our shuttlers will win 10 medals, including three golds."India won four medals in badminton at the Tokyo Paralympics, including two golds. Since then, Indian players have dominated at the international level, winning over 500 medals, including 18 at the World Championships and 21 at the Asian Para Games."We started from scratch three years before Tokyo with no hope of medals. Today, our shuttlers have won over 1000 medals at the national and international levels," said Khanna, a Dronacharya and Padma Shri awardee.Seven para-shuttlers have been undergoing intensive training in Lucknow since July, dedicating around 10 hours a day. "It helps us plan our training well and rectify our mistakes," said Palak Kohli, a 2024 World Championships bronze medalist.Kohli, who will compete in the women's singles SL4 category and mixed doubles, said she has learned from the Tokyo Paralympics and is determined to win a medal in Paris. "I have faced many challenges, but I never lost focus on winning. I am confident I will achieve my target this time," said Kohli.Khanna praised the team's hard work and dedication. "We have chalked out our strategy based on our rivals in each category. Every shuttler has been asked to study their opponents' videos and work on their shortcomings," he said.

Nikhat Zareen, Chirag-Satwik, and Lakshya Sen, three promising Indian athletes, are among the 13 receiving support from the GoSports Foundation in Paris. Founded by former tennis player Deepthi Bopaiah, the foundation aims to empower athletes and foster their Olympic aspirations.Bopaiah, the CEO of GoSports, has been actively involved in the Paris Olympics, cheering on Indian athletes and exploring opportunities for future growth. While Sen narrowly missed a medal in badminton singles, the other athletes made significant progress in their respective events.GoSports played a pivotal role in pairing Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddyy, who were previously playing with different doubles partners. "Doubles can make a big difference in tournaments like the Thomas Cup and Olympics," said Bopaiah, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships.The foundation supports athletes across various disciplines, including sailing, shooting, athletics, and table tennis. "We provide comprehensive support, including physios, coaches, sports psychologists, and nutritionists," said Bopaiah. "Our goal is to create role models and inspire the people of India."While medals are a coveted outcome, Bopaiah believes that the journey and effort of each athlete should be celebrated. "The process and systems we put in place will ultimately lead to success," she said. "That's how we approach our work in sports."

Olympic silver medalist He Bing Jiao of China has bid farewell to international badminton, marking the end of an illustrious career. Despite her departure from the global stage, He Bing Jiao will continue to grace domestic tournaments, showcasing her unwavering passion for the sport.He Bing Jiao's journey to the pinnacle of badminton began in 2014 when she emerged as the runner-up to Akane Yamaguchi at the BWF World Junior Championships. Her triumph at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, later that year, hinted at her promising future.Following the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the retirement of China's badminton stalwarts paved the way for a new generation of players. He Bing Jiao, alongside Chen Yu Fei, became the torchbearers of this new era. She claimed significant victories early in her career, including the Japan Open 2016 and the French Open the same year.Throughout her career, He Bing Jiao amassed several prestigious titles, including victories on the HSBC BWF World Tour. Her notable wins include the Denmark Open and the French Open in 2022, where she defeated Chen Yu Fei and Carolina Marin, respectively. She also played a pivotal role in China's title-winning Sudirman Cup and Uber Cup teams.On an individual level, He Bing Jiao earned bronze medals at the BWF World Championships in 2018 and 2021, solidifying her status as a top-tier player. Her performance at Paris 2024 not only earned her an Olympic silver medal but also won her the admiration of fans worldwide. In a touching gesture, He Bing Jiao held a Spanish pin on the podium as a tribute to Marin, who had retired due to injury during their semifinal match.He Bing Jiao's retirement marks the end of an era in Chinese badminton. Her contributions to the sport have been immense, and she will be remembered as one of the world's top shuttlers.

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.

Indian doubles badminton specialist Ashwini Ponnappa has expressed shock and disappointment over the Sports Authority of India's (SAI) claim that she received significant financial assistance in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics. Ponnappa asserts that she received minimal individual support and that her request for a coach was denied.SAI's document details financial support provided to Paris-bound athletes, including Rs 4,50,000 under TOPS and Rs 1,48,04,080 under ACTC for Ponnappa. However, Ponnappa claims that the ACTC funds were spent on all national campers, not solely on her."I'm absolutely shocked... I don't mind not getting money but telling the nation that I got money is ridiculous. I haven't received it," Ponnappa told PTI. "I don't have a specific coach. As for my personalized trainer, I'm paying for him myself."Ponnappa, 34, is a decorated doubles player with Commonwealth Games medals and Olympic appearances to her credit. She joined forces with Tanisha Crasto in December 2022 and qualified for Paris in May 2023, after which they were included in TOPS.Despite her achievements, Ponnappa feels she has not received adequate support in recent years. "The last year I haven't been supported and it's ok. But you can't say I've been given Rs 1.5 crore," she said.SAI maintains that the ACTC funds were used for Ponnappa's travel, stay, food, and competition expenses as part of the Indian team. However, Ponnappa disputes this, stating that she has not received the funds directly.Ponnappa's concerns highlight the challenges faced by Indian athletes in securing adequate financial and coaching support. Despite her disappointment, she remains grateful for the support she has received in the past.

Ace badminton player Saina Nehwal's recent confession that she was unaware of javelin as an Olympic sport until Neeraj Chopra's gold medal victory in 2021 has sparked a debate about the limited knowledge of athletes outside their own disciplines.Nehwal's admission, made during an interview with journalist Shubhankar Mishra, highlights the intense focus and dedication required in professional sports, which often leaves little time for exploring other disciplines. "When Neeraj won, that is when I got to know about athletics has got this game too," she said. "You'll gain knowledge only when you see it, right? If you don't see, how will you know?"Nehwal's comments resonated with many athletes who acknowledged the challenges of staying abreast of other sports while pursuing their own. "It's not that you don't want to know, but you're so busy in your own field, how much time do you get deep into something else?" she explained. "If not you'll have to Google everything non-stop. If you're perfect in your own field, that's more than enough."However, Nehwal's remarks also drew criticism from some who questioned her lack of awareness about a major Olympic event. "Very surprising that a sportsperson of Saina Nehwal's calibre should feign ignorance about javelin event," said one user on social media.Despite the controversy, Nehwal's comments underscore the importance of specialization in elite sports. Athletes must dedicate countless hours to training, competition, and recovery, leaving little time for pursuing other interests. As a result, it is not uncommon for athletes to have limited knowledge of sports outside their own.Nehwal's experience also highlights the need for greater cross-promotion and awareness of different sports. By showcasing the achievements of athletes in various disciplines, sports organizations and media outlets can help broaden the knowledge of fans and athletes alike.