Who is Priyanshu Rajawat? The small-town shuttler making big waves in Indian badminton

Indian badminton is currently witnessing a wave of promising men’s shuttlers making their mark on the global stage. While rising talents like Lakshya Sen and the dynamic duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty are already carving their names internationally, the pool of emerging prodigies continues to strengthen India’s contingent. Among these hopefuls for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is Priyanshu Rajawat, a bright young talent aiming to elevate India’s badminton prowess further.

Priyanshu Rajawat: The rising star from MP

Priyanshu Rajawat, an upcoming name in Indian badminton, hails from the town of Dhar in Madhya Pradesh. His journey to becoming a national champion is a heartening tale of grit, relentless dedication, and a lot of support from his family and coach.

Priyanshu’s passion for badminton took root at the age of five, sparked by the influence of his elder brother, Kunal. Seeing his potential early on, his parents enrolled him in a local academy. Coming from a Rajasthani family, where his father ran a Xerox business. His agility and quick footwork quickly set him apart. During an event in Gwalior two years later, he impressed Phullela Gopichand, who took him under his wing at his Hyderabad academy. Since then, he has been training under Gopichand’s guidance.

Shaping his skills under Gopichand’s guidance

Under Gopichand’s tutelage, Priyanshu’s game underwent a significant transformation. The rigorous training at the Gopichand Badminton Academy helped him refine his skills, and his consistent dedication started yielding tangible results, bringing him closer to his dreams.

Priyanshu’s breakthrough moment arrived in 2021 when he won the Ukraine International title, followed by impressive wins at the India International Challenge and the India Chhattisgarh International Challenge. These achievements catapulted him into the national spotlight, securing him a place in the prestigious Thomas Cup squad.

The Thomas Cup win and Orleans Masters glory

The 2022 Thomas Cup became a career-defining moment for Priyanshu. As part of the Indian team, he made important contributions to India’s historic victory, displaying his talent on the international platform. It was his first major win on the global stage, marking him as a player to watch.

In 2023, Priyanshu reached the pinnacle of his career thus far by winning the Orleans Masters, a Super 300 tournament. This achievement solidified his reputation as one of India’s most promising badminton players and brought him widespread recognition.

A promising player to watch ahead

At just 22, Priyanshu Rajawat’s journey in badminton has only begun. With extraordinary talent, firm commitment, and the support of his family and coach, he is set to scale even greater heights. His inspiring story is something to learn to aspiring athletes, showcasing that with dedication and resilience, even the loftiest dreams can be achieved.

Badminton Chak De India