Why strive to be the next Sindhu when you can exceed her? PV Sindhu, who at 18 won a World Championship bronze and at 21 clinched an Olympic silver, is a staggering benchmark in Indian badminton. As India celebrated victories at the Junior Asian Championships, marking the first medal wins in 13 years since Sindhu’s gold in 2012, a revival in women’s singles badminton seems imminent.
The landscape of Indian badminton, particularly in women’s singles, is poised for substantial growth. The trajectory set by Saina Nehwal in 2006, peaking with Sindhu in 2016, will clearly dominate discussions leading into 2026, highlighting India’s stirring emergence in this arena.
While doubles remain a tough nut to crack at the elite level, the challenge is evident for Treesa and Gayatri, who must navigate a rocky path. The men’s singles scene continues to thrive with players like Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, and Kidambi Srikanth, who recently excelled in the Malaysia Masters. Upcoming talents such as Ayush Shetty and Sankar Muthusamy Subramaniam add to the promising outlook with the potential for surprises from Tharun Mannepalli. Yet, Satwik and Chirag still have unfulfilled destinies to realize as possible icons in men’s badminton.
Independent of PV Sindhu’s shadow, women’s singles is primed for a resurgence. Traditionally characterized by the rivalry between Saina and Sindhu, this current generation of players does not feel pressured to follow in those footsteps. Acknowledging the gap in age and experience between them and Sindhu, they embrace their identities without the burden of comparison. Given their varying physique-many are not as tall or powerful-their playing style leans toward being more well-rounded, emphasizing game intelligence and adaptability.
The personality of each athlete in women’s singles is integral to their development. Each emerging player is expected to cultivate their unique character over the next three seasons. This independence and confidence-sometimes mistaken for arrogance-should be encouraged, reflecting the diverse background of Indian badminton that produced champions like Saina, Sindhu, and Lakshya Sen with their distinct approaches.
Among the exciting newcomers is Unnati Hooda, the first Indian in five years to defeat Sindhu. Refusing to confine herself to major academies or abandon doubles, Hooda is unfazed by reputations, asserting the need to compete globally rather than just with Sindhu. Her academic prowess complements her badminton skills-a multifaceted player who adapts and finds solutions on the court.
Another standout is 17-year-old Anmol Kharb, who, with her intricate game and fearlessness, is developing her craft methodically. Her experience in martial arts informs her disciplined approach. Tanvi Sharma, who reached the finals at the US Open, is noted for her aggressive gameplay and strategic variety, though all three young women must continuously enhance their endurance and adapt to stronger opponents.
Other notable players include Anupama Upadhyaya, Isharani Baruah, and Malvika Bansod, who faces her own challenges as she seeks to break into the Top 20. Emerging talents like Devika Sihag and Rakshitha Ramraj showcase promising potential, with their unique styles hinting at a bright future for Indian badminton.
Unlike the rigid coaching systems typical in countries like China, these athletes thrive on autonomy, making their own paths in an unstructured format. They seek guidance but strive to maintain control over their careers, shedding the traditional ‘star’ system’s limitations. While aiming to surpass Sindhu, they are acutely aware that their true competition lies beyond national borders with formidable opponents such as Yamaguchi and An Se-young.
These young athletes are ready to carve their own legacy, inspired yet unshackled by the past, eager to explore their potential in the evolving world of badminton.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/badminton/unnati-hooda-anmol-kharb-tanvi-sharma-indian-badminton-womens-singles-revival-looks-imminent-10152291/
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Publish Date: 2025-07-27 08:21:00
