The 2024 China Masters promises to be a highly competitive event, attracting some of the top badminton players from around the world, all looking for crucial ranking points and a strong finish to their season.
For India, however, this tournament carries added importance at a time when the country’s badminton scene is undergoing a period of uncertainty.
After several years of impressive performances and breakthroughs on the international stage, Indian badminton has faced some setbacks recently.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the key Indian players to watch out for at the China Masters, their form heading into the tournament, and their chances for success.
PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, remains a strong contender despite some recent inconsistencies.
While her form has fluctuated, her experience and ability to perform under pressure make her a serious threat in the 2024 China Masters. If she finds her rhythm early, she has the game to challenge for a deep run in the tournament.
She will be facing Busanan Ongbamrungphan of Thailand in the first round on Wednesday.
Akarshi Kashyap is known for her aggressive and fast-paced game, but she faces a tough challenge in the opening round against Japan’s rising star Miyazaki, who has been in strong form recently.
Still gaining experience on the international stage, Anupama Upadhyaya will face tough competition against USA’s Zhang Beiwen.
Malvika Bansod will play against Denmark’s Kjaersfeldt L. H. If she can replicate the form that saw her stun Gregoria Mariska Tunjung of Indonesia last time in China, a surprise result is definitely within reach.
Both Lakshya Sen and Priyanshu Rajawat have tough opening matches at the 2024 China Masters, but they each have the potential to pull off surprises with their attacking play and determination.
Sen’s match against Lee Zii Jia will be repeat of the Olympic bronze medal match, while Rajawat will look to prove himself against Wardoyo of Indonesia.
If both can play to their strengths and stay consistent, they could make a strong impact in the tournament.
Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, India’s top women’s doubles pair, will be aiming to finish the year on a high at the 2024 China Masters. They are the only Indians still in the race for the BWF World Tour Finals, making this tournament even more crucial for their qualification hopes.
In the first round, they face a tough challenge in the form of Hu Ling Fang and Jheng Yi Chieh from Chinese Taipei.
The most exciting story for Indian badminton at the 2024 China Masters is the return of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, India’s top men’s doubles pair, after their disappointment at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Following an underwhelming performance at the
Olympics, the duo will be looking to regain their momentum and reassert their dominance in the men’s doubles circuit.
In their first round, they face the Chinese Taipei pair of Lee Jhe-Huei and Yang Po-Hsuan, a solid team with a mix of experience and skill.This tournament will be a critical moment for the duo as they aim to bounce back and prove they still belong among the world’s elite doubles pairs.
Their performance here could mark the beginning of a new chapter after their Olympic setback.
The 2024 China Masters is not just another tournament for India’s shuttlers—it’s an opportunity to recover, rebuild, and reaffirm their positions on the world stage.
Whether it’s Sindhu aiming to rediscover her form, Rankireddy & Shetty making a comeback, or the next generation of players stepping up, India’s badminton players are ready to face the challenge.
The road ahead is tough, but India’s badminton stars are determined to take the challenge head-on.
Written by Rishika
