Indian badminton witnessed another exciting breakthrough as 19-year-old Sanskar Saraswat booked his place in his first senior international final, reaching the summit clash of the Guwahati Masters 2025.
Ranked World No. 384, Sanskar produced a series of fearless performances through the week, culminating in a composed straight-games win over Dendi Triansyah of Indonesia in the men’s singles semi-final.
Sanskar defeated the higher-ranked Indonesian, ranked World No. 188, 21-19, 21-19, displaying remarkable clarity in key moments. The victory not only secured him a maiden final appearance at senior level but also guaranteed India the singles title, with the championship match set to be an all-Indian affair against compatriot Mithun.
The semi-final was a test of nerve as much as skill. Sanskar found himself trailing 15-18 in the opening game, with Triansyah using his experience and sharper net play to force errors. However, the young Indian responded with maturity beyond his years, tightening his defense and choosing his attacking moments carefully.
A run of six consecutive points flipped the game in his favour, as Sanskar closed out the opener 21-19, a swing that proved decisive. The second game followed a similar pattern, tightly contested through the mid-game interval, before Sanskar again raised his level in the closing exchanges. Holding his nerve under pressure, he wrapped up the second game 21-19 to seal a memorable win.
From Qualifiers to the Final
Sanskar’s journey to the final has been nothing short of demanding. Entering the tournament as a qualifier, he has had to navigate a packed schedule, often playing multiple matches in a single day. His physical conditioning and mental stamina have stood out as key factors behind his run.
One of the defining moments of his campaign came in the Round of 32, where Sanskar produced a major upset by defeating fourth seed Jason Gunawan of Hong Kong, the reigning Syed Modi International champion and World No. 44. Sanskar won the match 21-18, 21-19, announcing himself as a serious contender.
What made the victory even more remarkable was the context. Sanskar had already played two matches the previous day and another earlier on the same day before taking the court against Gunawan. Despite the physical load, he remained sharp and focused, matching the experienced campaigner rally for rally.
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At just 19 years of age, Sanskar Saraswat’s run in Guwahati represents a significant breakthrough. Ranked outside the top 300, he has shown that rankings often fail to capture the true potential of young players breaking through at the senior level. His attacking instincts, court coverage, and ability to stay composed during tight finishes have all been on display throughout the week.
Crucially, Sanskar has not relied on a single standout performance. From qualifiers through to the semi-finals, his consistency has been impressive. Each match has tested a different aspect of his game endurance, shot selection, patience and Sanskar has responded positively each time.
Awaiting Sanskar in the final is fellow Indian Mithun, setting up an all-India men’s singles final and confirming the title for India. For Sanskar, the occasion carries added excitement as well as challenge. Facing a compatriot means familiarity, but it also ensures there are no easy points on offer. While the final result will determine who lifts the trophy, reaching this stage itself marks an important milestone in Sanskar’s development. A title win would be the ideal reward, but even without it, Guwahati Masters 2025 will remain a landmark event in his young career.
Sanskar Saraswat’s performance in Guwahati reflects the depth emerging in Indian men’s singles badminton beyond the established names. His ability to upset higher-ranked players, manage tough schedules, and stay calm in pressure situations points to a player with the temperament needed for the next level. As he prepares for his first senior final, Sanskar carries both confidence and growing belief. Regardless of the outcome, his run from the qualifiers to the final has already sent a clear message a new name is pushing through, ready to challenge.
For Indian badminton, moments like these matter. They underline the strength of the development pipeline and offer a glimpse into the future.
For Sanskar Saraswat, Guwahati may well be remembered as the tournament where a promising junior took his first decisive step onto the senior international stage.
