Syed Modi International: PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen face ultimate test to prove themselves

The Syed Modi International Super 300 badminton tournament is ready to begin in Lucknow from 26th November, and the spotlight is on India’s top seeds, PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen. Both players have been at the forefront of Indian badminton, but recently, they’ve struggled to win any titles. This international tournament at home offers them the perfect platform to prove their dominance and end the dry spell.

Sindhu’s quest for glory

PV Sindhu has been India’s badminton icon for years, but recently her form has been inconsistent. The last title she won was at the Singapore Open in 2022. Although she reached the finals of the Malaysia Masters earlier this year, her journey has been marred by early exits, including a surprising first-round defeat at the Finland event against Canada’s Michelle Li.

Sindhu’s competitors

Sindhu’s campaign begins against a young and promising player, Anmol Kharb, only 17 years old and already making headlines with her wins at Belgium and Poland International Challenge events. This match is not just another game, it will be more like the reflection of the changing dynamics in Indian badminton, where upcoming stars are ready to challenge the veterans.

At world No. 19, Sindhu is eager to reclaim her position and title. With a slightly weaker field this time, she has a good chance. Malvika Bansod, another rising Indian star, is her closest competitor in the draw.

If Sindhu fails to win this one, then we must make peace with the fact that she’s not good enough. The shuttler has been struggling and lost her charm, marking an end for the legendary shuttler’s glorious career.

Lakshya Sen’s battle for a breakthrough

Lakshya Sen, on the other hand, is bound to win his first title of the year at the Syed Modi International. Having already achieved a bronze medal at the 2021 World Championships and won the Canada Open in 2023, he showed great promise in recent career. However, his journey this year has been mixed, with early exits overshadowing his semifinal finishes at prestigious tournaments like the All-England Championships and the Paris Olympics.

Lakshya faces his first challenge from a qualifier, which provides him with a good start to regain confidence and hopefully clinch the title. His ambition to avenge previous losses, like those against Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia, shows his fighting spirit and readiness to claim the top spot. He needs to win this one.

Indian hopes also ride on Priyanshu Rajawat, seeded second, and other singles players like Kiran George, Ayush Shetty, and Chirag Sen.

Doubles hopes from Sat chi

In doubles, the celebrated pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty return as favourites after their strong performance post-the Paris Olympics. After having a disappointing campaign at the China Masters, the pair is eager to bounce back with their third title of the year at this tournament. The women’s doubles promise excitement as the pairs of Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly lead the charge for India.

The stakes are high

The Syed Modi International, with its $210,000 prize money, offers Sindhu and Lakshya a golden opportunity to once again assert their dominance in Indian badminton. If this duo, being the top seeds, fails to capitalise on this chance, it might raise questions about their current form and capabilities. As the tournament unfolds, fans are eager to see if they can rise to the occasion and claim victory on home courts.