India’s rising badminton stars are set to shine at the US Open 2024 in Texas. As the country’s top players prepare for the upcoming Paris Olympics, the spotlight will be on emerging talents like Gayatri Gopichand/Treesa Jolly, Priyanshu Rajawat, and Malvika Bansod.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and world championship medallists Chirag Shetty/Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, HS Prannoy, and Lakshya Sen have opted out of this year’s BWF Super 300 tournament. This absence opens the door for younger players to make their mark on the international stage.
The challengers of India
In the women’s doubles, Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly, ranked 24th in the world, are seeded second. The duo, who won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, are seeking their first BWF title since their triumph at the Odisha Open over two years ago. Their recent performance at the Singapore Open, where they reached the semi-finals of a BWF Super 750 tournament, was particularly impressive. They defeated All England champions Baek Ha Na and Lee So Hee, as well as Tokyo 2020 bronze medallists Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong. In Texas, Gayatri and Treesa have received a bye in the first round of the women’s doubles event, to be held at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
Priyanshu Rajawat, a member of India’s historic 2022 Thomas Cup-winning team, is another player to watch. Ranked 40th in the world, Rajawat is seeded eighth in the men’s singles and will face Jan Louda of Czechia in the first round. Rajawat is aiming for his first BWF title since winning the Orleans Masters in April last year.
The women’s singles will feature India’s Malvika Bansod and Tanya Hemanth in the absence of star shuttler PV Sindhu. Malvika ranked 49th globally and Tanya, ranked 73rd, will lead India’s challenge in this category. Both players have a chance to prove their mettle and gain valuable experience on the international circuit.
The importance of US Open
The US Open 2024 promises to be a significant event for these rising stars. Their performances could signal the beginning of a new era in Indian badminton, showcasing the depth of talent in the country. With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, this tournament is a crucial stepping stone for these young shuttlers to establish themselves and gain momentum.
As India’s established stars prepare for the Olympics, the US Open offers a unique platform for the next generation to step up and make their presence felt. The performances of Gayatri Gopichand/Treesa Jolly, Priyanshu Rajawat, and Malvika Bansod will be closely watched by badminton enthusiasts and could set the stage for more Indian success on the global stage.
The future of Indian badminton looks bright, and the US Open 2024 is an exciting opportunity for these young athletes to demonstrate their skills and potential. With the right mix of talent, determination, and support, they could very well follow in the footsteps of their illustrious predecessors and bring more glory to the nation.