New Delhi: The 2024 season for Indian badminton was marked by both triumph and heartbreak, with standout performances and deeply disappointing moments. The year began with high hopes but was punctuated by setbacks that left fans and athletes grappling with frustration.
Satwik-Chirag Duo Shines Amid Setbacks
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, India’s top men’s doubles pair, had an impressive year, advancing to four finals and winning two major titles: the French Open Super 750 and the Thailand Super 500. Their performances solidified their status as one of the best pairs in the world, and their Olympic gold aspirations remained alive despite a quarterfinal exit in Paris. The devastating defeat led to the resignation of their coach, Mathias Boe. However, the return of Tan Kim Her, the coach credited with bringing them together, gave the duo a much-needed boost.
Lakshya Sen’s Heartbreaking Bronze Medal Loss
Lakshya Sen, another hopeful for Olympic glory, endured a turbulent season. After showing flashes of brilliance with a semifinal appearance at the French Open and a victory at the All England Championships, Sen’s hopes were dashed in the Olympic bronze medal match. Despite the heartbreak, his victory at the Syed Modi International championship raised hopes for a better year ahead.
PV Sindhu Struggles but Finishes Strong
Two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu faced one of her most challenging years. Despite changing coaches multiple times and moving to Bengaluru to work with Prakash Padukone, Sindhu struggled with fitness and form, suffering early exits in several tournaments. However, she managed to reach the final of the Malaysia Masters and ended the season on a high note with a Syed Modi International win. Sindhu is now focused on regaining her form and hopes to make a strong comeback next season.
HS Prannoy Fights Through Adversity
HS Prannoy, another pillar of Indian badminton, battled through health issues during the season. His persistent gut problems and a case of chikungunya did not deter him from progressing to the knockout rounds in Paris, though he fell short in the end. His resilience remains an inspiration for the sport.
Women’s Doubles Show Promise
The women’s doubles category showed promising potential. Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto, who started the year with low rankings, stunned everyone by qualifying for the Paris Olympics. Their victory at the Guwahati Masters strengthened their bond, though they were eliminated early in Paris. Similarly, Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly had a breakthrough year, winning their first Super 300 title at the Syed Modi International and qualifying for the World Tour Finals.
Young Talents Shine with Promising Performances
Among the up-and-coming shuttlers, Tanvi Sharma and Anmol Kharb stood out with impressive performances. Anmol reached the final at the Guwahati Masters and played a key role in India’s gold medal win at the Asian Team Championships. Tanvi, the national runner-up, also made waves by reaching the final at the Super 100 Odisha Masters. Other promising players like Arundhati Reddy, Devika Sihag, and Malvika Bansod showcased their potential, hinting at a bright future for Indian badminton.
Para Badminton Shines in Paris
India’s para shuttlers had an exceptional outing at the Paris Paralympics, with Kumar Nitish leading the charge. The team clinched five medals, including a gold, two silvers, and two bronzes, marking the country’s best-ever performance at the Games. Nitish retained his gold in the SL3 category, while Suhas Yathiraj, Thulasimathi Murugesan, Manisha Ramadass, and Nithya Sre Sivan all added to India’s medal tally. Despite setbacks like Pramod Bhagat’s suspension, India’s para badminton athletes showcased incredible resilience.
A Season of Resilience and Future Promise
The 2024 season for Indian badminton was a rollercoaster ride. While many faced crushing defeats, there were also moments of brilliance and hope for the future. With emerging young talent and experienced shuttlers determined to bounce back, the future of Indian badminton looks bright. The journey of recovery, resilience, and preparation for the next Olympic cycle is well underway.
