Badminton is perhaps the most followed and loved sport in the country after cricket. The likes of PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and Kidambi Srikanth, in recent years, have left no stone unturned to popularise the sport winning some of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. Winning medals in three consecutive Olympics has also helped Indian badminton’s cause. Asian Games 2023 will be another opportunity for Indian shuttlers to shine.
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While any Indian has not won a gold medal at the Asian Games, the 2023 edition could be different with a few of our players in scintillating form. InsideSport takes a look at some of them.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty
The world no. 3 pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have been in sizzling hot form this year. They have won three tournaments in the BWF circuit this year and have beaten all the top pairs in the world. While the draw for the Asian Games 2023 is not out yet, only one team can challenge them – Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Adrianto, the world no. 1 team. Undoubtedly, they have been the best players for India, across categories this year.
Indian Men’s Team
Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy will lead the Indian challenge for the men’s team event. Lakshya Sen and Mithun Manjunath will be there in the singles category as well, while Satwiksairaj Rankidreddy and Chirag Shetty will lead the doubles team. Arjun MR and Dhruv Kapila will also feature in the doubles team, which will boost the Indian chances. After India won the Thomas Cup in 2022, there is no reason why they can’t do it at the Asian Games 2023.
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HS Prannoy
HS Prannoy has been India’s best bet in the singles throughout the year, and the scenario will be the same at the Asian Games 2023. He had won the Malaysia Masters in June and had finished runners-up at the Australia Open recently. On top of that, he had won the World Championships bronze after beating WR-1 Viktor Axelsen in the quarters. If he can be consistent at the tournament, there is no reason why he can’t win a gold at the Asian Game 2023.
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