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India's badminton contingent at the Paris Olympics marks the joint-biggest squad that the nation has ever sent to the Games. Consisting of seven shuttlers, a fourth consecutive medal in the sport for India look highly likely.
So far, India have won medal in only one event at the Games. Saina Nehwal won the women's singles bronze in 2012, and PV Sindhu followed up on that with a silver in 2016, and a bronze in 2020.
However, this time around, with the doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty spearheading the country's challenge at the Paris Olympics, a maiden gold suddenly seems like a strong possibility.
Paris Olympics 2024: Indian badminton team’s SWOT Analysis
As the Indian badminton team head to Paris, here's a SWOT analysis for the players, combing through their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
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Strengths
Strong coaching team - One of the strongest pillars of support for the Indian badminton contingent at the Paris Olympics will be the coaching team that travels with them. While there are seven of the nation’s best shuttlers competing at the Games, they will be joined by a support staff of eight, including two physios.
Former Olympian and All-England champion Pullela Gopichand will be the head coach, and accompanying him will be Mathias Boe, Vimal Kumar, RMV Gurusaidutt, and Agus Santosa. Badminton legend Prakash Padukone will also be joining the team in Paris as a mentor, ensuring that the Indian badminton contingent has all the support they need.
Experienced Olympians - Meanwhile, another thing that will greatly boost India's badminton medal hopes at the Paris Olympics is the fact that the country is fielding a vastly experienced team at the Games. Of the seven shuttlers who will be in action at La Chapelle Arena, four including PV Sindhu, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, and Ashwini Ponnappa, have already experienced the pressure of the Olympic stage before.
Paris marks both Sindhu and Ponnappa’s third appearance at the event, while it's their second outing for Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.
Weaknesses
No competitive outing before the Games - Meanwhile, one thing that could hinder the Indian badminton contingent at the Paris Olympics is their collective lack of a competitive outing before the Games. PV Sindhu last played in early June at Indonesia where she lost the first round.
Similarly, none of the other players have performed at an international event since a little over one month. The lack of competitive exposure could prove to be a disadvantage as they head directly to the Olympics without a prior ‘checkpoint’ as it were.
Shaky form - Another issue that can put a dent in India’s hope for a medal finish at the Paris Olympics is the shaky form that has been following the nation’s shuttlers for a while.
Both PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen have struggled to stay at the top of their game since early 2023, showing glimpses of their best self while being unable to sustain that level. Meanwhile HS Prannoy and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty were absolutely phenomenal last season, but have struggled to replicate such results this year.
Opportunities
Strong men's team - One medal giving opportunity that the Indian contingent has at the Paris Olympics is the strong men's team. So far, India have only medaled in the women's singles events at the Games, but that could change this time around.
The men's doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty is a strong contender for gold, while a podium finish also seems within reach for men's singles World Championships bronze medalist HS Prannoy.
Easy group stage draws - Yet another thing that could prove to be an important aid for Indian shuttlers at the 2024 Olympics is their forgiving group stage draws. PV Sindhu, HS Prannoy, and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty are all expected to make it past the group stages with ease.
Additionally, these cakewalk matches should give the players an opportunity to get acquainted with the court of Paris
Threats
The Great Wall of China - One looming threat to India's gold medal hopes at the Games will be the Chinese shuttlers who pose a strong challenge in all fronts. PV Sindhu will have to battle reigning Olympic champion Chen Yu Fei in the women's singles, while HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen will be impeded by World No.1 Shi Yu Qui in the men's event.
On the other end, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will likely have to contest Liang Wei Kang and Wang Chang at some point in Paris on their way to the podium.
Injury & Health troubles - Injury woes and health troubles could also prove to be a challenge for Indian badminton players at the Paris Olympics. PV Sindhu recently dealt with a minor knee injury, while Satwiksairaj Rankireddy’s shoulder kept him and Chirag Shetty out of a few events.
Additionally, HS Prannoy was recently dealing with constant nausea caused by a malfunctioning muscle lining the esophagus.
While all three shuttlers are now on the mend, unexpected injury or health troubles are still a threat for all athletes.
