At first glance, Bhavya Chhabra and Param Choudhary look like any other young badminton hopefuls gearing up for a big tournament. But behind the calm smiles lie stories of perseverance, carefully nurtured chemistry, and a vision that reaches far beyond the next shuttle.
Selected to represent India at the upcoming Asian Junior Championships, the duo sat down to share their journey, insights on doubles badminton, and what it really means to carry the tricolor onto Asia’s fiercely contested courts.
The thrill of wearing India’s colors
Asked how it feels to represent India at such a competitive event, Bhavya’s excitement was unmistakable. “It feels amazing to be part of the team,” he began, reflecting on previous experiences at the Junior World Championship and how the Asian Championships add another layer of pride and challenge. Param agreed, highlighting the unique thrill of facing top Asian players Japanese, Korean, Indonesian who set the benchmark in the sport.
For them, it isn’t just about participating; it’s about proving they belong among the continent’s best.
Building the partnership: Communication without words
Doubles badminton isn’t just about power smashes and quick reflexes; it’s built on trust and near-telepathic communication. “We have our signals, especially during serves,” Param explained. “A simple gesture a finger, a number is enough to prepare the next move.” Beyond gestures, it’s the shared understanding that makes the difference. “We can sense if the other is under pressure or overconfident and bring each other back to focus,” Bhavya added. This synergy, they believe, is what separates a pair from just two players on the same court.
Why Doubles is its own universe
Unlike sports like tennis, where singles players often pair up for doubles, badminton sees distinct specialization. “The strokes and formations in doubles are totally different,” Bhavya said. Param expanded on this, explaining that singles allow for recovery time and wider movement, whereas doubles is unrelenting: “In boys’ doubles, there’s no time. You’re constantly at the net, defending and attacking. It’s all about speed and coordination.” Their take reflects the evolution of modern badminton, where a successful doubles team trains and thinks entirely differently from singles specialists.
Training camps, challenges and the Reliance Foundation effect
Ahead of the Asian Juniors, Bhavya and Param are deep into an intense training camp supported by the Reliance Foundation. The difference between regular training and the national camp, they shared lies in specificity. “At the academy, we train everything equally,” Bhavya said. “But here, they test our limits and focus on our weaknesses like my endurance or Param’s strength.”
Joining Reliance Foundation in 2024 changed their trajectory.
“Reliance takes care of our travel, visas, flights, and more,” Bhavya noted. This support allows them to think less about logistics and more about performance. With an annual budget linked to results, they’re motivated to perform, knowing that better outcomes unlock more international exposure.
On Satwik-Chirag, MD2s and the power of experience
India’s top men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, are heroes for Bhavya and Param. “They have 15–20 years of playing experience against international players,” Bhavya explained. That experience, he believes, is what sets them apart from India’s MD2 and MD3 pairs, who often shuffle without breaking into the world’s top 25.
“It’s not always about talent or practice it’s about confidence and exposure. Many upcoming Indian pairs still get nervous facing top Chinese or Indonesian teams,” Param added. Overcoming that fear, they agree, is essential to building consistent world-class doubles teams.
The conversation also turned to Europe’s improving standards in badminton. Param highlighted how champions like Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen inspire new generations. “If Axelsen can do it, others believe they can too,” he noted. Similarly, the rise of Satwik-Chirag is inspiring more Indians to specialize in doubles something rare just a few years ago when singles dominated India’s badminton dream.
Friendship, mentors and the younger sister they never had
Their bond isn’t limited to the court. At their academy, they spend time with fellow player Tanvi Sharma, who at just 16, stunned everyone with her run at the US Open. “We’ve known her since she was 10, back at Gopichand,” Bhavya shared. “She’s like our little sister. She asks for advice, laughs with us, and shares her worries.” Such bonds, they believe, keep them grounded amidst the pressures of elite sport.
In sport, losses often teach more than wins. “After a defeat, we feel a fire to prove ourselves,” Bhavya said. “Losing makes you come back hungrier.” Param, on the other hand, keeps emotions balanced. “Whether it’s a gold medal or a first-round loss, I stay calm. It’s over; time to move on.” This emotional maturity is remarkable for players so young, showing why mental strength is as vital as physical training.
The China question and closing the gap
When asked about China’s dominance at junior level, Bhavya shared a candid observation: “They play at the same high intensity from start to finish, while most others slow down.” To close this gap, he believes Indian players need to maintain that pace and endurance through every point and every game. For them, it’s not an impossible task just one that requires systematic effort, better training, and sustained exposure.
Asked about memorable moments, Bhavya laughed about a near argument mid-match: “We were four points up and I told him ‘Don’t shout, stay calm’ and then the match went to deuce!” These stories show how pressure can spark friction, but also how trust quickly restores balance.
For kids dreaming of following their path, the duo had heartfelt advice. “Don’t get distracted by the idea of travelling abroad. Focus on winning first,” Bhavya said, reflecting on his own lessons. Param added: “Work hard, stay disciplined and remember, every win starts long before the match.”
A generation ready to step up
Beyond medals and rankings, Bhavya Chhabra and Param Choudhary represent something bigger: the quiet, steady rise of India’s doubles badminton. They are part of a generation watching, learning and readying to step from the shadow of giants like Satwik-Chirag. In their words, the difference between MD1 and MD2 is just a matter of time and experience.
As they head to the Asian Junior Championships, Bhavya and Param carry more than just rackets and kits they carry a new narrative for Indian doubles: one built on friendship, fearlessness, and a firm belief that the next great Indian pair could very well be them.
