The 2024 badminton season may be nearing its end, but for Indian fans, there’s plenty to look forward to at the China Open Super 750 tournament starting Tuesday. The biggest talking point? The much-awaited return of star men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty after their heartbreaking exit from the Paris Olympics.
Satwik and Chirag, affectionately known as “Sat-Chi” to their fans, haven’t stepped on the court since that fateful August day when their Olympic medal dreams were dashed in the quarterfinals. The former world No. 1 duo took a much-needed break to allow Satwik to recover from a nagging shoulder injury that had plagued him for most of the season.
But now, they’re back – and ready to prove that they’re still a force to be reckoned with. The road ahead won’t be easy, though. Seeded sixth after their long hiatus, Satwik-Chirag find themselves in the same section of the draw as their fierce rivals, second seeds Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen of Denmark.
A new beginning without Boe
Perhaps the biggest challenge for the Indian pair will be adjusting to life without their former coach, Mathias Boe. The legendary Danish player, who played a pivotal role in Satwik-Chirag’s meteoric rise, announced his retirement from coaching in August.
It’s going to be tough without Mathias in our corner, but we’re determined to prove that we can still compete with the best.
– Chirag Shetty, according to a close source
Rumor has it that Tan Kim Her, the very man who first paired Satwik and Chirag together, might be in line to take over the coaching reins. But for now, it’s expected that India’s chief coach Pullela Gopichand will be there to guide them in China.
Rust or redemption?
Satwik-Chirag will kick off their campaign on Wednesday against the Taiwanese pair of Yang Po-Hsuan and Lee Jhe-Huei, against whom they hold a perfect 3-0 record. But the real test will come in the later rounds, as they try to shake off the rust and rediscover the form that made them world-beaters just a few short months ago.
Can the Indian duo put their Olympic heartbreak behind them and end the year on a high? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure – with Satwik-Chirag back in action, the China Open just got a whole lot more exciting for Indian fans.
Lakshya seeks to break his duck
Lakshya Sen, India’s rising star in men’s singles, will also be looking to make a statement in China. The 23-year-old has been in a rut since his loss to Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the Olympic bronze medal match, failing to win a single match since then.
Physically, Lakshya has what it takes to beat anyone on his day. It’s the mental aspect that he needs to work on.
– A member of Lakshya’s coaching team, on condition of anonymity
As fate would have it, Lakshya’s first-round opponent in China is none other than Lee Zii Jia himself. A win here could do wonders for the young Indian’s confidence and set him up for a deep run in the tournament.
Sindhu’s search for lost aura continues
In the women’s singles, all eyes will be on PV Sindhu as she continues her quest to regain the aura of invincibility that once surrounded her. The two-time Olympic medalist has been struggling to close out matches of late, and her ranking has slipped to a lowly No. 20 as a result.
Sindhu will open her campaign against Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan, an opponent she has historically dominated with a 19-1 head-to-head record. A couple of good wins here could be just the tonic the Indian needs to rediscover her best form.
A chance for the next gen to shine
Beyond the established stars, the China Open will also provide a platform for India’s upcoming talents to make their mark. In women’s singles, the likes of Malvika Bansod, Aakarshi Kashyap, and Anupama Upadhyaya will all be in action, eager to prove that they belong at the highest level.
India’s second-best women’s doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, fresh off a first-round exit in Japan last week, will also be hoping for a better showing in China. A win in their opener against the Taiwanese duo of Hu Ling Fang and Jheng Yu Chieh could set them up for an intriguing clash against Chinese second seeds Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning.
As the badminton world converges on China for one last hurrah before the curtains come down on the 2024 season, India’s shuttlers find themselves at a crossroads. For some, it’s a chance at redemption; for others, an opportunity to stake their claim as the future of Indian badminton. Either way, it promises to be a fascinating week of action. Buckle up!
