PV Sindhu, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty To Headline India’s Asian Games Badminton Squad
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has finalized its squad for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, led by PV Sindhu and doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. According to the BAI, the selection followed a review of BWF rankings as of May 26 and recent international performances. The team aims to build on India’s 2023 performance of one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.
Who is leading the Indian badminton squad?
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and reigning men’s doubles champions Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are the headliners for the event. India’s top-ranked men’s singles player, Lakshya Sen, leads the men’s contingent.
The squad includes HS Prannoy, a bronze medallist from the previous edition, and former world no. 1 Kidambi Srikanth. These athletes were all part of the men’s team that secured a silver medal in Hangzhou.
Why is this squad selection significant?
BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra stated that Indian badminton’s success is now driven by a “growing depth of talent across categories” rather than just individual excellence. He noted that younger athletes are stepping up with strong international results.
The selection includes emerging talents such as Badminton Asia Championships silver medalist Ayush Shetty and BWF World Junior Championships medalist Tanvi Sharma. Unnati Hooda also earned a spot following recent international performances.
What is India’s historical performance at the Asian Games?
India has secured 13 medals in the history of the Asian Games. This includes a breakthrough gold medal achieved during the previous edition.
The current men’s group retains much of the core team that won a bronze medal at the BWF Thomas Cup earlier this year. This experience may be a factor as the team seeks to replicate its 2023 success.
What happens next for the athletes?
The Asian Games will run from September 19 to October 4. India may attempt to surpass its 2023 medal count based on the current form of its players.
The squad will compete across five individual disciplines. This includes men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.
Official Squad Lists
Team Championship:
- Men: Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, H. S. Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth, Tharun Mannepalli, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Hariharan Amsakarunan, M. R. Arjun, Dhruv Kapila.
- Women: PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda, Devika Sihag, Tanvi Sharma, Isharani Baruah, Treesa Jolly, Gayatri Gopichand Pullela, Kavipriya Selvam, Simran Singhi, Tanisha Crasto.
Individual Championship:
- Men’s Singles: Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty.
- Women’s Singles: PV Sindhu, Unnati Hooda.
- Men’s Doubles: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy / Chirag Shetty; Hariharan Amsakarunan / M. R. Arjun.
- Women’s Doubles: Treesa Jolly / Gayatri Gopichand Pullela; Kavipriya Selvam / Simran Singhi.
- Mixed Doubles: Dhruv Kapila / Tanisha Crasto.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games take place?
The games are scheduled to be held from September 19 to October 4.
How were the players selected for the squad?
The BAI selection committee reviewed recent national and international performances and BWF rankings as of May 26.
Who will represent India in the individual mixed doubles?
Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto will compete as India’s top mixed doubles duo.
Can India surpass its 2023 medal tally at the Aichi-Nagoya games?