As the prestigious Malaysia Masters Super 500 tournament kicks off at Kuala Lumpur’s Axiata Arena, a contingent of Indian badminton players is poised to make a significant impact.
With a prize pool of $475,000, this event offers a crucial platform for both seasoned athletes seeking a resurgence and emerging talents aiming to establish themselves on the international stage.
Veterans Aim for a Comeback
P.V. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist currently ranked World No. 16, is determined to regain her top form after recent setbacks. Her campaign begins against Japan’s Natsuki Nidaira (World No. 20), a formidable opponent who promises a challenging opening match.
Similarly, H.S. Prannoy, now ranked World No. 35, faces a tough first-round encounter against Japan’s fifth seed, Kenta Nishimoto. Both Sindhu and Prannoy are eager to bounce back after their defeats in the Sudirman Cup and utilize this tournament as a springboard for the rest of the season.
Emerging Stars Ready to Shine
In the women’s singles draw, several young Indian shuttlers are looking to make their mark:
- Malvika Bansod, the 2024 Hylo Open runner-up, will face Chiu Pin-Chian of Chinese Taipei in her opening match.
- Unnati Hooda, who reached the semifinals at the Taipei Open Super 300, is set to play against compatriot Lin Hsiang Ti. Hooda, currently ranked World No. 42, has been on an upward trajectory with notable performances, including her victory at the 2023 Abu Dhabi Masters.
- Aakarshi Kashyap has drawn the eighth seed, Putri Kusuma Wardani of Indonesia, presenting a significant challenge in her opening round.
In the men’s singles category:
- Sathish Karunakaran, champion of the 2023 Odisha Masters and 2024 Guwahati Masters, faces a formidable opponent in top seed Anders Antonsen of Denmark.
- Ayush Shetty, the 2023 World Junior Championships bronze medalist and current World No. 40, will take on Canada’s Brian Yang. Shetty’s recent semifinal appearances at the Taipei Open and Orleans Masters highlight his growing prowess on the court.
- Priyanshu Rajawat, a member of India’s victorious 2022 Thomas Cup team and ranked World No. 35, begins his campaign against Singapore’s Jia Heng Jason Teh. Rajawat’s consistent performances, including his 2023 Orléans Masters title, make him a player to watch.
Doubles Teams Seek Breakthroughs
In mixed doubles:
- The World No. 19 pair of Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto will face a qualifier in their opening match, aiming to advance deep into the tournament.
- Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde are set to challenge the fourth-seeded Chinese duo, Guo Xin Wa and Chen Fang Hui, in a tough first-round match.
- Ashith Surya and Amrutha Pramuthesh will compete against the top-seeded pair, Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin, from China.
- Sathish Karunakaran will also partner with Aadya Variyath to face Malaysia’s Roy King Yap and Valeree Siow.
In men’s doubles, the Indian pair of Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar Rethinasabapathi will be in action, aiming to make a significant impact.
The women’s doubles draw features Indian pairs:
- Kavipriya Selvam and Simran Singhi
- Vaishnavi Khadkekar and Alisha Khan
- Prerana Alvekar and Mrunmayee Deshpande
These duos are looking to gain valuable experience and make their presence felt in the tournament.
Qualification Rounds: A Test of Depth
Several Indian players are competing in the qualifiers, striving to secure a spot in the main draw:
- In men’s singles: Kidambi Srikanth, S Sankar Muthusamy Subramanian, and Tharun Mannepalli.
- In women’s singles: Anmol Kharb.
- In doubles: Mohit Jaglan and Lakshita Jaglan, and the pair of Shivam Sharma and Poorvisha S Ram.
These matches will test the depth of India’s badminton talent and offer a glimpse into the future of the sport in the country.
The Malaysia Masters 2025 presents a pivotal opportunity for Indian shuttlers to regain momentum and showcase their skills on an international platform. With a blend of experienced players seeking redemption and young talents eager to make their mark, the tournament promises exciting matches and the potential for significant breakthroughs.
Fans and supporters will be keenly watching as India’s badminton contingent strives for excellence in Kuala Lumpur.
