Golden Ambitions: Indian Badminton Sets Sights on Paris 2024 Success

Indian badminton has made significant strides, currently holding the sixth position in the World Team Rankings. Despite some challenges in women’s singles and mixed doubles, India is emerging as a badminton powerhouse. Looking ahead to 2024, the goal is to strengthen this position further. The focus is on building on the success of winning medals in the last three Olympic Games. India aims to achieve multiple medals, including a coveted gold, at the Paris Olympic Games. The target also includes securing more than four medals at the Paralympics, defending the Thomas Cup, and winning individual titles at major World Tour events.

The BWF’s Race to Paris Ranking List for Olympic Qualification, covering performances from May 1, 2023, to April 28, 2024, guides potential participation in the Paris Olympics. Leading India’s charge are men’s doubles duo Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, current world no. 2, ensuring Olympic qualification. In men’s singles, H.S. Prannoy, ranked world no. 8, adds anticipation for another Olympic medal. The challenge for a second entry in this category depends on Lakshya Sen or Kidambi Srikanth breaking into the top 16 rankings. Women’s singles sees P.V. Sindhu returning from injury, aiming for her third Olympic medal.

The race for women’s doubles qualification is close between pairs Ashwini Ponnappa/Tanisha Crasto and Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopi Chand. The Indian men’s team faces the task of defending their Thomas Cup title, won for the first time in 2022. Despite challenges, the focus remains on Olympic aspirations, seeking gold. The hope is to continue momentum with emerging talents and a strong Indian coaching system, propelling Indian badminton to new heights.