Indian badminton is experiencing its golden era, with players like PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and Kidambi Srikanth dominating international competitions. PV Sindhu’s gold at the 2019 World Championships and her silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics have cemented her legacy as one of India’s greatest athletes.
The article explores the rise of Indian badminton, from Prakash Padukone’s success in the 1980s to the current dominance of Indian players on the global stage. The role of the Badminton Association of India (BAI) and the development of state-of-the-art academies, such as the Pullela Gopichand Academy, have been pivotal in nurturing talent.
It also highlights the challenges faced by Indian badminton players, including mental health issues, maintaining fitness, and dealing with the pressure of international competitions. The future of Indian badminton looks bright, with young talents like Lakshya Sen and Gayatri Gopichand ready to take over the mantle from the current stars.