PV Sindhu Set To Marry on December 22: All You Need to Know
Two-time Olympic medallist and badminton star PV Sindhu is set to tie the knot on December 22 in Udaipur. Sindhu, a former world champion and one of India’s most celebrated athletes, will marry Venkata Datta Sai, an executive director at Posidex Technologies based in Hyderabad. According to Sindhu’s father, PV Ramana, the two families had known each other for a while, but the wedding was finalized only a month ago. December 22 was chosen as the wedding date due to Sindhu’s packed schedule beginning January. The wedding festivities will kick off on December 20, followed by a grand reception in Hyderabad on December 24. Sindhu plans to resume her training shortly after the celebrations, as the upcoming badminton season is crucial for her career. Sindhu boasts an illustrious career with five world championship medals, including a gold in 2019, and two Olympic medals—a silver in Rio 2016 and a bronze in Tokyo 2020. She also achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 2 in 2017, cementing her status as one of India’s greatest athletes. The announcement of Sindhu’s wedding comes shortly after her impressive performance at the Syed Modi International badminton tournament in Lucknow. Sindhu advanced to the finals of the BWF Super 300 event, ending a two-year title drought. In the semi-finals, she defeated her 17-year-old compatriot Unnati Hooda with a commanding score of 21-12, 21-9. Ranked 18th in the world, Sindhu will face China’s Wu Luo Yu, ranked 119th, in the final. This victory marks a potential turning point for Sindhu, who last won a BWF World Tour title at the Singapore Open in July 2022. With her strong comeback at the Syed Modi International, Sindhu has reignited hopes of achieving further glory on the badminton circuit. As Sindhu prepares to celebrate a new chapter in her personal life, her dedication to her sport remains unwavering. Balancing her wedding celebrations and rigorous training schedule, Sindhu continues to inspire millions as a symbol of perseverance and excellence in Indian sports.
Koki Watanabe, Busanan Ongbamrungphan win 2024 Canada Open
The 2024 Canada Open, a thrilling BWF World Tour Super 500 event, concluded on Sunday with memorable victories in both the men’s and women’s singles categories. Koki Watanabe of Japan and Busanan Ongbamrungphan of Thailand emerged as champions, showcasing their exceptional skills and determination. Busanan Ongbamrungphan wins women’s singles In the women’s singles final, Ongbamrungphan faced Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt of Denmark, the No. 4 seed. Ongbamrungphan, who had previously defeated the top seed Zhang Beiwen from the USA in the semi-finals, dominated the final match. She led throughout both sets, securing a 21-16, 21-14 victory in just 53 minutes. This win marked Ongbamrungphan’s first title of 2024 and her first BWF World Tour title since the 2022 India Open. Koki Watanabe wins men’s singles On the men’s side, the tournament saw significant upsets with both the No. 1 seed Anders Antonsen and the No. 2 seed Kodai Naraoka being eliminated in the quarter-finals. This made the way for the No. 6 seed Koki Watanabe to face an unexpected opponent in the final, the unseeded Alex Lanier from France, who is ranked World No. 37. Watanabe, who had earlier won over Naraoka in a challenging quarter-final match, demonstrated resilience and skill. Despite losing the first game to Lanier, he made a strong comeback to win 20-22, 21-17, 21-6, capturing his first BWF World Tour title since the 2023 Swiss Open. The men’s doubles final featured the top-seeded Danish pair Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen. They were tested by the English duo Ben Lane and Sean Vendy, ultimately securing victory after dropping the first game. The Danish pair won 18-21, 21-14, 21-11. In the mixed doubles category, Danish pair Jesper Toft and Amalie Magelund pulled off a surprising upset. They defeated Mathias Christiansen and Alexandra Bøje in a thrilling match that ended 9-21, 24-22, 21-12. Japan also claimed victory in the women’s doubles category. The top duo Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi overcame the Taiwanese pair Hsu Yin-Hui and Lin Jhih Yun with a decisive 21-13, 21-13 win. The 2024 Canada Open was a showcase of incredible talent and unexpected outcomes, highlighting the competitive spirit and resilience of the athletes. As Watanabe and Ongbamrungphan celebrate their well-deserved victories, the badminton world eagerly anticipates their future performances on the global stage.
India’s young badminton brigade ready for 2024 US Open
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.
I Learned The Smash From Volleyball: Indian Shuttler Satwik
Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy have taken the badminton world by storm. The bronze medallists from the 2022 World Championship in Tokyo and the 2022 Asian Games gold medallists have become the first Indian men’s doubles pair to be ranked world No.1. As they gear up to represent India at Paris 2024, their journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Recently, the duo shared insights into their game and personal lives during an engaging session with Dinesh Karthik on JioCinema’s ‘Get Set Gold’. The conversation revealed some fascinating aspects of their training, their camaraderie, and the influences that shaped their sporting careers. Satwik’s intriguing revelation One of the most intriguing revelations came from Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, who holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest badminton hit at a staggering speed of 565 km/hr. He shared how he developed his powerful smash, a crucial element in his game. Surprisingly, Satwik’s inspiration came not from badminton, but from volleyball. “I learned the smash from volleyball, observing how players jump and smash. It looked heroic, and that’s how I started practising my jump. No one taught me; it was something I picked up on my own,” Satwik explained. He also described his strategy of taking a peripheral view to sense opponents’ positions, transitioning from hitting angled shots to targeting opponents’ bodies directly. In their chat with the media, Shetty and Rankireddy discussed the physical demands of their sport and the surprises they often encounter from their opponents’ sheer physicality. Shetty elaborated on the nuances of playing doubles, emphasizing that it’s not just about power. “The game involves a lot more, like defence, net play, and getting the lift right. Defence is a critical part of the game. Doubles isn’t just about power; it’s about precision and strategy,” he said. Beyond the court partnership Beyond the court, their partnership has grown through shared experiences and common interests. Shetty humorously recounted how Rankireddy influenced his music preferences, switching from Punjabi beats to South Indian tracks. “Before the Asian Games, Satwik introduced me to Anirudh Ravichander’s music,” Shetty shared. Rankireddy added that their playlist, featuring songs like ‘Hukum’ and ‘Chaleya’, helps set the mood, with the KGF background score serving as their entrance theme. The journey to the top The journey to becoming the world’s top-ranked pair was not without its challenges. Shetty candidly spoke about the early days of their partnership, which were marred by a language barrier. “I used to feel burdened, as if playing together was forced upon us. I spoke Hindi, and Satwik was more comfortable with Telugu. But our then-coach Kim Tan believed in our potential, which made us feel less pressured and more willing to partner each other,” Shetty recalled. Rankireddy reflected on how their partnership evolved into a seamless collaboration. He described how they now communicate almost telepathically during matches, understanding each other’s moves and strategies instinctively. Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy’s story is one of perseverance, mutual respect, and shared goals. As they continue to push boundaries and set new records, their journey serves as an inspiration to many young athletes in India and around the world. With the Paris 2024 Olympics on the horizon, all eyes will be on this dynamic duo as they strive to bring more glory to their country.
Viktor Axelsen loses top spot ahead of Paris Olympics
In a significant shift in the world of badminton, Viktor Axelsen has been dethroned from his long-held position as the number one men’s singles player in the BWF World Rankings. After an impressive 132-week reign at the top, Axelsen has been overtaken by Shi Yuqi of the People’s Republic of China. A new era in men’s badminton The latest rankings released mark a new era in men’s badminton. Shi Yuqi’s rise to the number-one spot comes on the heels of his outstanding performances in recent tournaments. Shi clinched consecutive victories at the Singapore Open and the Indonesia Open, showcasing his dominance on the court. Conversely, Axelsen, the Olympic champion from Denmark, faced a setback as he had to withdraw from the Indonesia Open due to an injury. This unfortunate turn of events contributed to his fall in the rankings. The last time Axelsen was not ranked first was on November 23, 2021, when Japan’s Momota Kento held the top spot. Momota retired from professional badminton, making Axelsen’s subsequent reign uncontested until now. With the Paris 2024 Olympics fast approaching, Axelsen’s focus will undoubtedly be on reclaiming his position and defending his Olympic title. The badminton tournament at the Paris Games is set to begin on July 27, and Axelsen will be keen to prove that he remains a formidable force in the sport despite his recent ranking drop. The competitive nature of international badminton The updated BWF rankings not only highlight Shi Yuqi’s ascent but also reflect the competitive nature of international badminton. The list of the top 25-ranked singles shuttlers includes a mix of seasoned players and rising stars, making the road to Paris 2024 even more exciting. Shi Yuqi’s achievement is a testament to his hard work and resilience. Climbing to the top of the rankings is no small feat and requires consistent excellence. His recent triumphs in Singapore and Indonesia demonstrate his readiness to challenge the best and solidify his status as the world’s leading shuttler. As fans and athletes gear up for the Paris 2024 Games, the shift in rankings adds an extra layer of anticipation. Will Axelsen reclaim his throne, or will Shi Yuqi maintain his newly acquired position at the summit of men’s badminton? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the competition will be fierce, and the stakes higher than ever. In the meantime, badminton enthusiasts worldwide will be watching closely, eager to see how this rivalry unfolds in the lead-up to the Olympics.
Australian Open: HS Prannoy to lead India’s charge
HS Prannoy will lead India’s badminton challenge at the Australian Open, starting June 11 in Sydney. This BWF Super 500 event is crucial for Prannoy, who is keen to regain his form after recent setbacks. Prannoy, seeded fifth in this tournament now aims to turn his luck around, beginning with his opening match against Ygor Coelho of Brazil. Prannoy’s recent performances have been less than stellar. At the Thailand Open last month, he suffered a surprising defeat in the first round to compatriot Meiraba Luwang Maisnam. Following that, at the Singapore Open, Prannoy lost to Kenta Nishimoto in a hard-fought Round of 16 match, ending 13-21, 21-14, 15-21. These losses have motivated Prannoy to make a strong comeback in Sydney. Men’s singles challengers In addition to Prannoy, several other Indian shuttlers will compete in the men’s singles category too. Sameer Verma will face Indonesia’s Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo in the opening round, while Ravi will take on the challenging eighth seed, Loh Kean Yew of Singapore. Mithun Manjunath will also play against Alwi Farhan from Indonesia, Kiran George is matched with Canada’s Xiaodong Sheng, and S Sankar Muthusamy Subramanian has a tough draw against top seed Jonatan Christie of Indonesia. Women’s singles challengers The women’s singles category sees eighth seed Aakarshi Kashyap leading the Indian contingent. She is set to play Polina Buhrova of Ukraine in her opening match. Other notable matches include Ashmita Chaliha facing Peru’s Ines Lucia Castillo, Anupama Upadhyaya battling Malaysia’s Wong Ling Ching, and Samiya Imad Farooqui taking on top seed Akane Yamaguchi of Japan. Additionally, Keyura Mopati and Malvika Bansod will compete against each other in an all-Indian first-round clash. The doubles’ challengers In doubles, India has no representation in the men’s doubles category. However, the Panda sisters, Rutuparna and Swetaparna, seeded seventh, will lead the charge in the women’s doubles, along with the pair of Harshita Rout and Sruti Swain. The mixed doubles category features three Indian pairs: eighth seed B Sumeeth Reddy and Sikki Reddy will play against the Malaysian duo of Wong Tien Ci and Lim Chiew Sien, Tarun Kona and Sri Krishna Priya Kudaravalli face another Malaysian pair, Hoo Pang Ron and Cheng Su Yin, and the duo of Ayush Raj Gupta and Sruti Swain will compete against Australians Jordan Yang and Sydney Tjonadi. The Australian Open is an important opportunity for Indian players to showcase their skills on an international stage. For Prannoy, this tournament is particularly significant as he seeks to bounce back from recent disappointments and prove his mettle. The competition is stiff, but the Indian contingent is prepared to face the challenges head-on. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how these athletes perform, with hopes high for a successful campaign in Sydney.
Ashmita Chaliha – India’s rising shuttler
Ashmita Chaliha’s story is one of remarkable transformation. From a sheltered and introverted life in Guwahati, she has risen to become an ambitious competitor on the international badminton stage. This journey has seen her move from rationalising her losses as unavoidable to fighting tooth and nail for every point against top-tier opponents. Ashmita’s rise to prominence Chaliha first gained attention at the 2019 Guwahati Nationals. Her aggressive southpaw style of play caught the eye of Morten Frost, a Danish badminton legend in attendance. This marked the beginning of her ascent in the sport. However, her rise to prominence was not devoid of personal quirks and comforts that kept her grounded. Back home, Ashmita’s mother, Geetali Chaliha, has a minor gripe: every time Ashmita returns from an international tournament, she brings back fridge magnets as souvenirs. But Ashmita’s real effort in souvenir shopping is reserved for Eddy, the family’s beloved dog, who gets the best toys from Hamleys. Life in Guwahati Growing up, Ashmita led a quiet, comfortable life in Guwahati. Her days revolved around her twin passions: badminton and her dogs. Two years ago, her routine included rigorous training sessions, albeit in the familiar and somewhat cushy environment of her hometown. She enjoyed her time playing racing video games and indulging in her favourite foods like prawns, lobster, mango rice, and chicken rolls, all conveniently delivered via food apps. Family vacations and Durga Puja celebrations in Sukhsagar, West Bengal, added a festive touch to her otherwise tranquil life. Despite this seemingly laid-back lifestyle, Ashmita’s potential was undeniable. As she began to compete internationally, she realised that her talent and hard work could take her far beyond the boundaries of her hometown. No longer content with merely participating, she started to dig deeper, showing a determination to win and improve constantly. The evolving mindset Ashmita’s transformation is not just about her improved performance on the court but also about her evolving mindset. She no longer views losses against big names as inevitable but as opportunities to learn and grow. Her journey from being a content and introverted child to a fierce competitor is inspiring. It shows that with the right mix of talent, hard work, and determination, one can rise above comfort zones to achieve greater heights. Today, Ashmita Chaliha stands as a solid proof to the power of ambition and resilience. Her story encourages many young athletes to push their limits and strive for excellence, no matter where they start.
Thailand Open – Chirag and Satwik win Gold
India’s star men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, triumphed at the Thailand Open Super 500 by defeating China’s Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi in the final on Sunday. The Indian duo, ranked third in the world, secured a comfortable 21-15, 21-15 victory over their 29th-ranked opponents in just 46 minutes. This win is a significant boost for the pair as they prepare for the Paris Olympics. Satwik and Chirag’s special bond Satwik and Chirag have a special connection with Bangkok as Chirag mentioned after the match. “Bangkok has always been special for us. We won our first Super Series title back in 2019 here and also the Thomas Cup, so it has been a special place and so happy to be here,” he said. This victory marks their second title of the season. Earlier, they won the French Open Super 750 in March. The pair also performed well at other tournaments, finishing as runners-up at the Malaysia Super 1000 and India Super 750. Challenges and triumphs However, the journey hasn’t been entirely smooth for Satwik and Chirag. They faced challenges in recent tournaments, losing in the second round at the All-England Championships and missing the Asia Championships due to an injury to Satwik. Additionally, their Thomas Cup campaign was less successful, as they lost a few close matches to top-ranked pairs. This win in Thailand is a significant achievement for Satwik and Chirag, coming at a crucial time in their careers. It not only adds another title to their list but also boosts their confidence as they look forward to the upcoming Paris Olympics. The Indian badminton pair continues to make their country proud with their impressive performances on the international stage.
Shuttler Meiraba Maisnam’s Transformation
Meiraba Maisnam, the promising badminton player from Manipur, has been making news at the Thailand Open, impressing fans and coaches alike with his recent performances. Coach Vimal Kumar, who has been closely observing Meiraba’s journey, sheds light on the transformation of the young shuttler. Meiraba’s journey began at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy when he was just 11 years old. Known for his vibrant personality and natural talent on the court, he quickly became a favourite among his peers and coaches. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic brought about a significant change in Meiraba’s demeanour. Vimal Kumar reflects on Meiraba Coach Vimal Kumar recalls how Meiraba, once a cheerful and outgoing child, became withdrawn and deeply religious during the pandemic. Despite his newfound devotion, Vimal encouraged Meiraba to maintain a balance between his faith and his passion for badminton. He reassured him that dedication and hard work would ultimately lead to success, rather than isolation and solemnity. Recently, Meiraba’s dedication and hard work paid off as he secured two consecutive main draw wins at the Thailand Open. His victories against renowned players like HS Prannoy and Mads Christophersen have propelled him into the quarterfinals of a Super 500 tournament for the first time in his career. Meiraba’s change in approach Vimal Kumar attributes Meiraba’s success to a change in his approach over the past three months. He notes that Meiraba appears more relaxed and focused on the court, which has boosted his confidence and performance. However, Vimal also acknowledges that Meiraba’s seriousness and perfectionism could sometimes hinder his game. “People would say he’s not focused, he’s too lazy. But I think he’s become too serious now! And he was never lazy. Those are misconceptions,” Vimal explains. As Meiraba continues to evolve as a player, Vimal Kumar emphasises the importance of finding a balance between dedication and enjoyment in the sport. He believes that Meiraba’s journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, highlighting the significance of perseverance and adaptability in pursuit of one’s dreams.
China trounce Indonesia in Thomas & Uber Cup
China has emerged victorious in both the men’s and women’s categories at the Thomas and Uber Cups, leaving Indonesia in double agony. The Chinese men secured their 11th Thomas Cup by defeating Indonesia 3-1, marking China’s first win since 2018. On the other hand, the Chinese women clinched their record-extending 16th Uber Cup with a flawless 3-0 victory over Indonesia. China’s men’s and women’s team emerge victorious In the men’s event, Shi Yuqi’s dominant performance set the tone for China, overpowering Anthony Ginting in just 43 minutes. Despite Indonesia’s efforts, including Jonatan Christie’s hard-fought win, China sealed the deal in the second doubles, securing the trophy. The Indonesian women faced a similar fate, as China’s He Bingjiao led her team to victory with a perfect tournament record. Chen Yu Fei and her doubles partner, Chen Qingchen, displayed remarkable prowess, leaving Indonesia little chance to retaliate. Reflecting on the win, Chen Yu Fei admitted feeling the pressure but attributed her success to diligent preparation and humility. Similarly, Chen Qingchen emphasized the importance of staying grounded despite expectations of victory. The Redemption The triumph for China marks a redemption after previous setbacks, highlighting the team’s resilience and determination. As He Bingjiao expressed, reclaiming the title brought immense joy after overcoming past failures. Ultimately, China’s dominance in badminton underscores their consistent performance and strategic approach, leaving their opponents with a formidable challenge to overcome in future tournaments.