Kiran George: The hidden gem of Indian badminton who hasn't yet reached his full potential

Indian badminton has seen great talent coming into the sport in recent years, with players like Satwik-Chirag, Lakshya Sen, and Priyanshu Rajawat making their mark on the world stage. However, one player who often goes unnoticed is 24-year-old Kiran George.

Recently, Kiran made headlines at the Korea Masters 2024 by defeating third seed Chi Yu Jen from Chinese Taipei and securing a spot in the quarterfinals. Ranked 44th globally, he managed to overcome the 31st-ranked player in a challenging three-game match, winning 21-17, 19-21, 21-17. Representing India as the country’s sole participant in the tournament, this isn’t the first time Kiran has caused an upset. The shuttler from Kerala is known for his talent and hard work, aiming for a spot in the LA 2028 Olympics.

Early life and background

Kiran George hails from a badminton-loving family in Kochi, Kerala, where the sport has always been central. His father, George Thomas, was a former national champion, while his mother, Preetha, competed at the state level. Inspired by his parents, Kiran and his brother, Arun George, took up badminton. Arun has also excelled nationally, even representing the Bengaluru Raptors in the Premier Badminton League. With a rich family legacy and strong support, Kiran’s journey into professional badminton seemed inevitable.

global achievements

Kiran’s talent was clear early on when he won silver in the Under-17 Boys Singles at the Badminton Asia Youth Championships in 2016. At 16, he made it to the finals, eventually losing to Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn. This achievement marked Kiran as a young talent to watch.

In 2022, he clinched his first Super 100 title at the Odisha Open by defeating fellow Indian Priyanshu Rajawat in an intense final, showing his resilience and endurance. Kiran’s other significant milestones include being selected for India’s Thomas Cup 2020 squad, where he impressed by defeating seasoned players like Sameer Verma, HS Prannoy, and Ajay Jayaram during selection trials.

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Challenges in 2024 and comebacks

Despite earlier successes, 2024 has been a tough year for Kiran. Although he reached the quarterfinals at the Indonesia Masters and Swiss Open, his form has been inconsistent, with several early tournament exits since March. Yet, he continues to persevere, most recently staging a strong comeback at the Korea Masters by defeating third-seed Chi Yu Jen of Chinese Taipei.

We must look at this upcoming prospect, who still has a long way to go to reach the top. The player’s journey has only just begun, and the best is yet to come.

Looking ahead

Despite 2024’s setbacks, Kiran’s recent victory at the Korea Masters highlights his resilience and determination. If he can continue working on his game and maintain mental strength, he has a promising future in global badminton. Backed by family support and a record of taking down top players, Kiran George remains a hopeful contender for Indian badminton’s future success.

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