As the badminton world shifts its focus to the Kumamoto Masters Super 500 tournament, India’s hopes will rest heavily on the shoulders of its two star shuttlers, PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen.
Both players, having faced a tumultuous period since the Paris Olympics, are eager to reclaim their form and reignite their international dominance.
PV Sindhu: A Veteran’s Resilience
The two-time Olympic medalist, PV Sindhu, has been a beacon of hope for Indian badminton in women singles for over a decade.
However, the past few months have been a rollercoaster ride for the talented shuttler. While she managed to reach the quarterfinals of the Denmark Open, her journey was cut short by a tough loss to Gregoria Mariska Tunjung.
The 29-year-old has been working tirelessly with her new coaching team, comprising Anup Sridhar and legendary Korean coach Lee Syun Il. This dynamic duo has been instrumental in refining Sindhu’s game, focusing on enhancing her speed, defence and overall court coverage.
Sindhu’s first-round encounter against Thailand’s Busanan Ongbamrungphan will be a crucial test. A strong start could set the tone for her campaign, propelling her towards the latter stages of the tournament.
A deep run in Kumamoto could not only boost her confidence but also significantly improve her world ranking which currently stands at 19.
Lakshya Sen: A Rising Star’s Redemption
Sen, the young prodigy of Indian badminton, has showcased immense talent and potential.
However, the 23-year-old has struggled to consistently deliver at the highest level.
The near-miss at the Tokyo Olympics, where he narrowly missed out on a medal, has left a lasting impact on his mental fortitude. His recent performances at the Arctic Open and Denmark Open were disappointing, as he faced early exits.
Yet, Sen remains determined to overcome these setbacks and regain his confidence.
His first-round match against Malaysia’s Leong Jun Hao will be a good opportunity to gauge his current form and set the stage for a potential clash against Indonesia’s Anthony Ginting in the subsequent round.
A strong showing in Kumamoto could not only revive Sen’s flagging confidence but also solidify his position among the world’s elite badminton players. A deep run in the tournament could significantly boost his world ranking and set him up for a successful end of the badminton season.
The Indian Doubles Duo: A Strong Contender
Beyond the singles events, India’s women’s doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand will also be in action.
The duo, currently ranked among the top eight pairs in the world, has a strong chance of qualifying for the BWF World Tour Finals.
Their first-round match against Taipei’s Hsu Yin-Hui and Lin Jhih Y un will be a crucial test of
their skills and coordination.
A strong performance in Kumamoto could not only solidify their position in the top eight but also increase their chances of winning a major title this season.
The Road Ahead
The Kumamoto Masters presents a golden opportunity for Sindhu, Sen, and the Indian doubles pair to turn the tide and regain their lost momentum.
A strong performance in Japan could significantly boost their confidence and set the stage for a successful end of the badminton season.
Indian badminton fans will be eagerly watching their progress and hoping for a resurgence from their favourite players.
