Regardless of the presence of sturdy contenders like PV Sindhu, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, and Chirag Shetty, the group didn’t clinch a single medal, marking a major setback after a profitable run spanning over a decade.Lakshya Sen‘s fourth-place end served as a silver lining amidst the general disappointment. The group’s hopes weren’t unfounded, given Sindhu’s pursuit of a 3rd consecutive Olympic medal, HS Prannoy‘s long-awaited debut, and the promising type displayed by Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto in ladies’s doubles. Lakshya and the duo of Satwik-Chirag have been additionally thought of sturdy contenders for podium finishes.
In preparation for the Paris cycle, badminton acquired substantial assist, together with quite a few nationwide camps and international publicity journeys funded by way of the Goal Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). The Sports activities Authority of India’s (SAI) Mission Olympic Cell allotted a good portion of the practically Rs 470 crore price range to badminton, second solely to 1 different self-discipline among the many 16 supported.
Nevertheless, the ends in Paris didn’t align with the investments made, underscoring the unpredictable nature of Olympic competitors and the essential function of psychological fortitude in such high-stakes occasions, reported PTI.
Lakshya’s efficiency within the semifinals in opposition to Viktor Axelsen and the bronze play-off in opposition to Lee Zii Jia of Chinese language Taipei exemplified this problem.
Sindhu, who had acquired substantial monetary assist, was unable to advance past the pre-quarterfinals, lacking the chance to turn out to be the primary Indian athlete to safe three Olympic medals.
The general consequence serves as a reminder of the complexities concerned in Olympic success and the necessity for a complete method that goes past mere monetary funding.
“I’m a bit of upset as he couldn’t end it. I’m upset that we couldn’t even win one medal in badminton. The federal government, SAI, and TOPS have executed their bit. It’s excessive time a number of the gamers additionally must take some duty,” Lakshya’s coach and former All England champion Prakash Padukone.
The surprising lack of former world primary Satwik and Chirag, who have been thought of sturdy contenders for the gold medal, added to the frustration of the Indian badminton group on the Olympics.
The Indian authorities had offered substantial monetary assist to the gamers, together with Rs 26.60 lakh and Rs 9.33 lakh sanctioned for Sindhu and Lakshya’s coaching in Germany and France, respectively.
Regardless of having a 12-member assist group throughout her coaching in Saarbrucken, Sindhu, a earlier silver and bronze medalist, was unable to beat China’s He Bingjiao.
Satwik and Chirag, who had loved a profitable 12 months with two titles in 4 BWF World Tour finals and quite a few medals in main occasions, have been upset by Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik within the quarterfinals.
The federal government spent a complete of Rs 5.62 crores on the celebrated Indian duo for the Paris cycle,” however their loss led to the resignation of their Danish coach, Mathias Boe.
Prannoy, a bronze-medallist on the 2023 World Championships and Asian Video games, was hindered by Chikungunya earlier than the Video games and misplaced within the pre-quarterfinals, regardless of receiving Rs 1.eight crore for coaching.
Ashwini and Tanisha, who every acquired Rs 1.5 crore in assist, have been eradicated within the group stage with out successful a match.
Amidst the setbacks, Lakshya’s fourth-place end was a notable achievement for an Indian male shuttler. His victories over Jonatan Christie and Chou Tien Chen have been commendable, though his losses to Axelsen and Zii Jia from advantageous positions revealed some weaknesses in his recreation.
Looking forward to the 2028 Los Angeles Video games, it’s unsure whether or not the 29-year-old Sindhu can keep her health. Nevertheless, there’s hope that Satwik-Chirag and Lakshya will construct upon their Paris expertise.
With rising skills like Priyanshu Rajawat and Treesa Jolly-Gayatri Gopichand able to make their mark, India’s badminton future stays promising for the subsequent Olympic cycle.
