The 38th National Games are just around the corner, and all eyes are on Uttarakhand as it prepares to host this prestigious event from January 28 to February 14, 2025.
Among the many sports that will take center stage, badminton promises to be one of the most thrilling and competitive events.
With some of the finest Indian players competing for glory, the badminton championships are set to electrify fans across the nation.
Badminton Event Details
The badminton championships will feature both team and individual categories, spanning men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Matches will be played at state-of-the-art venues in Uttarakhand, with the natural beauty of the Himalayas providing a picturesque backdrop for the intense competition.
Schedule Highlights:
Start Date: January 29, 2025
Final Matches: February 4, 2025
Categories:
○Men’s and Women’s Singles
○Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Doubles
○Team Championships (Men & Women)
The Players to Watch
Team Championships
This year’s team championships will see fierce competition across five zones:
- South Zone: Karnataka (Men & Women)
- East Zone: Uttarakhand (Men & Women) – the host state will look to capitalize on home advantage.
- West Zone: Chhattisgarh (Men) and Gujarat (Women)
- North Zone: Rajasthan (Men) and Haryana (Women)
- North East Zone: Arunachal Pradesh (Men) and Assam (Women)
Individual Championships
Men’s Singles
The men’s singles category boasts an exceptional lineup, including:
- Lakshya Sen (Uttarakhand): Currently ranked 12th in the world, Lakshya is not only a local favourite but also one of India’s top badminton players ,this Commonwealth Games gold medalist is Uttarakhand’s pride and one of the strongest contenders in men’s singles.
- Chirag Sen: Lakshya’s elder brother, known for his strategic gameplay, makes the singles competition more interesting
- K. Sathish Kumar (Tamil Nadu): Ranked 45th globally, Sathish is a strong contender in the men’s singles draw.
D.S. Saneeth (Karnataka): India’s top player by BAI ranking, he is a powerhouse to watch out for.
Other top names include Pujari Darshan (Maharashtra) and Saraswat Sanskar (Rajasthan), both bringing their A-game to the court.
Women’s Singles
The women’s singles will see exciting clashes, with:
- Malvika Bansod (Maharashtra): Ranked 32nd in the world, Malvika is poised to lead the competition.
- Anupama Upadhyaya (Haryana): Ranked 46th globally, she brings consistency and skill to the tournament.
- Aakarshi Kashyap (Chhattisgarh): Ranked 47th, she is another strong contender in this category.
Adding to the excitement are local stars Aditi Bhatt and Akshita Manral from Uttarakhand, who will aim to make their mark.
Doubles Categories
Men’s Doubles: Strong pairs like P. Naveen & V. Lokesh (Tamil Nadu) and Vaibhaav & Surya Ashith (Karnataka) will clash for the title, while Uttarakhand’s own duo Dhruv Rawat & Shashank Chhetri will hope to shine on home soil.
Women’s Doubles: All eyes will be on Rutaparna Panda & Swetaparna Panda (Odisha), ranked 38th globally, alongside competitive teams from Kerala and Karnataka.
Mixed Doubles: The mixed doubles event will showcase exciting combinations such as Aadya Variyath & K. Sathish Kumar (Tamil Nadu), ranked 34th globally, and Dhruv Rawat & Kuhoo Garg from Uttarakhand.
Other Notable Entries
Assam: Ashmita Chaliha and Isharani Baruah lead the women’s category, while Suraj Goala strengthens the men’s squad.
Gujarat: Featuring star players Tasnim Mir, Adita Rao, and Shreya Lele, the state brings a mix of experience and youthful exuberance.
Karnataka: A powerhouse team with names like Raghu Mariswamy, Ashwini Bhat, and Shikha Gautam, supported by Nicholas Nathan Raj and Tushar Suveer in doubles.
Odisha: Sisters Rutaparna and Swetaparna Panda, ranked among the top doubles pairs in India, are medal favorites.
What to expect in Football at National Games 2025 in Uttarakhand
Telangana: The state’s strength lies in players like Shriyanshi Valishetty and Satwik Reddy, both known for their aggressive gameplay.
Eligibility Criteria: Raising the Bar
This year’s eligibility criteria have been carefully crafted to ensure a high standard of competition:
Singles: Top 6 Indian players as per the BWF rankings (up to rank 50 globally) and top 8 BAI-ranked players.
Doubles: Top 3 pairs as per the BWF rankings (up to rank 50 globally) and top 4 BAI-ranked pairs.
Host State Privilege: Uttarakhand, as the host state, gets additional slots, providing opportunities for local talent to compete alongside the nation’s best.
A Thrilling Showdown Awaits
The badminton championships are expected to be one of the standout events of the 38th National Games. With a mix of seasoned stars and emerging talent, every match will be a showcase of skill, strategy, and determination.
What to Expect from Cycling at the National Games 2025
The atmosphere is sure to be electric, with fans cheering for their states and favorite players.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss It
Badminton at the 38th National Games isn’t just about the competition—it’s about celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and inspiring the next generation of players. With Uttarakhand as the host, attendees will also have the chance to experience the state’s rich culture, delicious cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes.
So, gear up for an unforgettable week of badminton action. Join us from January 29 to February 4, 2025, and witness the best of Indian badminton in the heart of Uttarakhand!
