India’s badminton campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics kicked off on a high note, with Chirag Shetty-Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Lakshya Sen securing victories in their respective opening group matches.
Lakshya Sen, the world No. 18, marked his Olympic debut with a resounding victory over Guatemala’s Kevin Cordon in the men’s singles Group L. Sen displayed remarkable agility and control, taking just under 15 minutes to clinch the first game 21-8.
Despite a spirited fightback from the five-time Olympian Cordon, Sen held his nerve, saving four game points to win the second game 22-10 and seal the match in 42 minutes.
Sen’s next challenge comes in the form of world No. 52 Julien Carraggi, whom he faces on Monday, followed by a final group stage match against world No. 3 Jonatan Christie.
In the men’s doubles Group C, the world No. 3 pair of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy overpowered the French duo of Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar. The Indian pair showcased their superior skills, with Chirag’s deft net play and Satwik’s powerful smashes leading them to a 21-17, 21-14 victory.
The match, which lasted 47 minutes, saw the Indian duo establish control early in both games, maintaining their lead to secure the win.
Shetty and Rankireddy are set to face Germany’s Mark Lamsfuss and Marvin Seidel in their next match on Monday.
The day wasn’t entirely in India’s favor, however. The women’s doubles team of Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa, ranked world No. 19, fell to the world No. 8 South Korean pair of Kim So Yeong and Kong Hee Yong.
Despite a strong start, Crasto and Ponnappa lost 21-18, 21-10 in their Group C match. They will next face the formidable Japanese pair of Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida, ranked world No. 4, on Monday.
Anticipation builds as PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy, India’s top-ranked shuttlers in women’s and men’s singles respectively, are set to launch their Olympic campaigns today at 12:50 PM IST.
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