Paris Olympics: Satwik-Chirag, PV Sindhu led Indian badminton team eyes glory

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India's badminton contingent has arrived at the Paris Olympics Games village, ready to embark on their journey amidst high expectations. This diverse team comprises seven shuttlers, alongside coaches and support staff, reflecting a perfect blend of experience and youthful exuberance.

Notably, India has achieved a significant milestone with two men's singles players qualifying for the Summer Games after nearly two decades. Leading the charge are stalwarts like PV Sindhu and Ashwini Ponnappa, both seasoned athletes with multiple international accolades to their names.

Sindhu, eyeing her third Olympic medal, brings a wealth of experience and determination to the court. Meanwhile, Ponnappa, at 35, stands as the oldest woman shuttler to compete at the Paris Olympics 2024. Follow elaborated Paris Olympics coverage

Joining them are debutants Lakshya Sen and Tanisha Crasto, injecting youthful energy and fresh perspectives into the team. They are joined by the dynamic duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, making their second consecutive Olympic appearance.

Their previous performances at Summer Games include a significant victory over the eventual gold medalists pair from Chinese Taipei at Tokyo Olympics. Reflecting on the team's composition, two-time Olympian Dipankar Bhattacharjee expressed confidence in this contingent.

"This is the best contingent India has sent this time at Paris," said the former National Champion in a conversation with myKhel.

Medal Chances

The best chance for Team India rests firmly with the Asia Champion duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. Their consistent performances throughout the tour culminated in timely peaks bolstered by two French Open titles and a strong showing on the Olympic court.

"Satwik and Chirag are truly exceptional talents. I'm optimistic about seeing them atop the podium," asserted Dipankar Bhattacharjee, India's first shuttler to qualify for Olympics.

PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, is eyeing history with a potential third medal. "Sindhu excels on the biggest stages. She's undoubtedly a contender for a medal in Paris," affirms Dipankar, reflecting confidence in the former World Champion.

Highlighting another potential star, the Olympian continued, "If Prannoy is in top form, he can defeat anyone in the world." Prannoy HS had an outstanding 2023 season, clinching medals at the Worlds and Asian Games within a month, including a victory over the reigning World and Olympic Champion.

Turning to other contenders, Lakshya Sen faces a challenging draw, needing to overcome arch-rival Jonatan Christie in the group stage to advance, potentially meeting Prannoy HS if both progress.

In women's doubles, Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto find themselves grouped with the bronze medalists from the previous Games, a formidable Korean pair, as well as former All England champions from Japan and Australian champions. Their path demands exceptional performances for Ponnappa to achieve a fairy-tale ending.

As India's badminton contingent gears up for Paris, each player carries the weight of expectation and the hopes of a nation, poised to make their mark on the grandest stage of all. Badminton action starts on July 27 and the climax reaches on August 5.