Badminton

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.

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.

PV Sindhu, India's badminton ace, will carry the Indian flag at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, while Gagan Narang, a London Olympic bronze medalist in shooting, has been appointed as India's Chef-de-Mission.The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President, PT Usha, announced these decisions on Monday. Narang's elevation from deputy Chef-de-Mission to the top position was an automatic choice after Mary Kom's resignation."I was looking for an Olympic medallist to lead our contingent, and my young colleague is an apt replacement for Mary Kom," Usha said in a press release.Usha also confirmed that table tennis star Sharath Kamal and Sindhu will be India's flag-bearers at the Paris Games."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 Sharath Kamal in the opening ceremony," Usha added.Sindhu, who won a silver medal at the Rio Olympics and a bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, is India's most successful female Olympian. She is currently ranked seventh in the world in women's singles.Kamal, on the other hand, is a four-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist and a former world number one in men's doubles. He is currently ranked 33rd in the world in men's singles.Narang, a former world champion in shooting, won a bronze medal in the 10m air rifle event at the London Olympics. He is currently the president of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).Usha expressed confidence that India's athletes are well-prepared for the Paris Olympics. "I am confident that our athletes are well prepared to deliver the best results for India in Paris 2024 Olympic Games," she said.

Indian badminton star Chirag Shetty has expressed his disappointment over the Maharashtra government's decision to felicitate the T20 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team while ignoring his own achievements. Shetty, who was part of the Indian badminton team that won the prestigious Thomas Cup in 2022, believes that the government should treat all sports equally."Thomas Cup is equivalent to winning the World Cup," Shetty said. "I was part of the Indian badminton team which won its maiden title, shocking champions Indonesia in the final. I was the only Maharashtra player in the Indian team. When the government can honor World Cup-winning cricket stars, they should also recognize my efforts. Government should treat any other sport equally."Shetty's comments come after the Maharashtra government felicitated the Indian cricket team with a cash prize of ₹11 crore for their historic T20 World Cup victory. The team was also given a heroes' welcome in New Delhi and Mumbai.Shetty, along with his doubles partner Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, has achieved remarkable success in recent years. The duo won the Commonwealth Games gold medal, a bronze at the World Championships in 2022, and a gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games. They also claimed the French Open and Thailand Open title wins this year."I have nothing against cricket," Shetty said. "In fact, we all badminton players watched the T20 World Cup final live on TV and celebrated enthusiastically. We are happy and proud about their sensational win against South Africa in the final. Similarly, we had also achieved something remarkable a couple of years ago, but the state government did not even felicitate me, leave apart giving any cash rewards. Before 2022, the Indian badminton team had never even reached the semifinals but we created history by winning the title."Shetty's comments have sparked a debate about the importance of recognizing achievements in all sports. Many believe that the government should provide equal support and recognition to all athletes, regardless of their sport.