Most people in India don’t think of badminton as a super competitive sport and if you think the same, well, we’ll advise you to just watch an actual badminton match on the international stage and you’ll know why we are against that thought. Despite the lack of popularity of badminton in India, the recent years have been somewhat good for the sport in the country. Why’s that though? Well, there have been some really good professional badminton players who have made this sport even more popular in the country. And today, we are here to talk about just that, but what exactly? Well, this post is all about taking a look at the journey of the top 10 famous badminton players in India as of 2024. So, let’s get to the list then. Here we go.
1. Lakshya Sen
First on the list is Lakshya Sen, who now is a name linked with great badminton ability in India. From a family practically steeped in badminton, Lakshya’s path began early under the influence of his coach father and international player brother. He became well-known very fast, especially for ranking as the junior singles player with the highest worldwide ranking in 2017, you know? And yes, just the start was his win at the 2018 Asian Junior Championships and a bronze from the BWF World Junior Championships. Lakshya’s outstanding career is highlighted by his first Super 500 championship at the India Open in 2022 and his important part in India’s historic Thomas Cup triumph the same year, that’s what made him super famous.
2. PV Sindhu
Being the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals, a bronze in 2020 and a silver in 2016, PV Sindhu is for sure a name that needs no introduction at all, her achievements in badminton on a global stage tell us why she deserves to be on this list. PV Sindhu’s reputation as a worldwide legend has been confirmed by her victory at the 2019 BWF World Championships and her steady performance across big events, you know? And for sure, her rigorous quest of greatness and disciplined approach make her a real role model as she gets ready for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
3. HS Prannoy
Born in New Delhi on July 17, 1992, HS Prannoy, the “Giant Killer,” is renowned for his ability to beat elite players such as Lin Dan and Lee Chong Weim, remember those matches? We all know his abilities, his skills, and his important part in India’s Thomas Cup triumph in 2022 and his maiden World Tour title at the Malaysia Masters in 2023, right? Well, all in all, HS Prannoy’s career-high global ranking of No. 7 in 2024 and his qualification for the Paris Olympics highlight his continuing ability and will despite health issues.
4. Kidambi Srikanth
Born in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh on February 7, 1993, Kidambi Srikanth is well-known in the Indian badminton scene, but why exactly is he on this list? Well, we assure you that is because of some very good reasons, take his win over Lin Dan at the China Open Super Series Premier in 2014 for example, which changed everything and resulted in other Super Series trophies as well as a world number one ranking in 2018. And yes, along with a silver at the BWF World Championships in 2021, Srikanth played a vital part in India’s Thomas Cup victory in 2022.
5. Saina Nehwal
Born in Hisar, Haryana on March 17, 1990, Saina Nehwal is the biggest name, and she was one of the top badminton players in India at that time. You know, from her bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics to rising world number one in 2015, Saina’s career is lined with more than 24 international titles, and that’s huge. All in all, her persistence in spite of injuries and gold medals from the Commonwealth Games shows her constant will, that’s what she is super famous for.
6. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy
Born August 13, 2000, in Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy has revolutionized Indian doubles badminton. Working with Chirag Shetty, their climb to world number one and their historic victories, including the 2022 Thomas Cup, Commonwealth Games gold, and the 2023 Indonesia Open, are just amazing and pretty dazzling if you rewatch them. And for sure, Satwik’s amazing might is demonstrated by his Guinness World Record for quickest badminton hit.
7. Chirag Shetty
Born in Mumbai on July 4, 1997, Chirag Shetty has been a powerful men’s doubles player along with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, as we already mentioned. Their path from early challenges to reach world number one status is remarkable. For sure, their supremacy is shown by noteworthy wins in the 2022 Thomas Cup, and 2023 Indonesia Open, and by keeping top rankings overall, you know?
8. Sameer Verma
Then there is Sameer Verma, you know, the 1994 born, all the way from Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, who actually comes from a family of badminton players? As we already know, his early training at Gopichand Academy set the groundwork for a successful career. Talking about his performance so far, well, among his notable successes are three BWF World Tour medals and a career-high world rating of number 6 overall.
9. Kiran George
Born in Kochi, Kerala, on February 11, 2000, Kiran George again comes from a family very related and interested in badminton overall. His increasing skill is shown by his wins at the 2023 Indonesia Masters and the 2022 Odisha Open. Kiran, who is well-known for his strategic gaming and tenacity, shows promise for 2024 based on his remarkable performances, including a quarter-final result at the 2023 Thailand Open, remember that?
10. Priyanshu Rajawat
Born in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, on February 1, 2002, Priyanshu Rajawat is among the most gifted young shuttlers from India, that’s for sure. Two important events include his participation in India’s 2022 Thomas Cup win and his maiden BWF Super 300 championship at the 2023 Orleans Masters. Notable wins over more highly ranked opponents, including a top-10 player, really show us how promising he is when it comes to representing India on a global stage in the game of badminton.
Conclusion
That’s all there is for now. If you think of badminton in India, you surely come across the names of these super famous badminton players who are representing India on a global stage. And if you really want to be a professional badminton player yourself, you must follow the journey of these players closely.
