Most people in India don’t regard badminton as a highly competitive sport, and if you share this belief, we encourage you to watch an actual badminton match on the international stage. The speed, agility, and strategic depth involved in the game will surely challenge that perspective. Despite its relatively low popularity in India, recent years have marked a positive turning point for badminton in the country. So, what’s behind this newfound recognition? The rise of exceptional badminton players has played a pivotal role in increasing the sport’s visibility and popularity. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the journeys of the famous badminton players in India as of 2024, showcasing their contributions to the sport and their remarkable achievements.
Top 10 Famous Badminton Players in India
1. Lakshya Sen
Kicking off our list is Lakshya Sen, a name synonymous with exceptional badminton talent in India. Born into a family deeply entrenched in the sport, Lakshya began his journey early, inspired by his father, who was a coach, and his brother, an international player. He quickly gained recognition, particularly after being ranked as the top junior singles player globally in 2017. His early victories include winning the 2018 Asian Junior Championships and securing a bronze medal at the BWF World Junior Championships. Lakshya’s stellar career is highlighted by his first Super 500 title at the India Open in 2022 and his crucial role in India’s historic Thomas Cup victory the same year, solidifying his status as a leading figure in Indian badminton.
2. PV Sindhu
PV Sindhu is an iconic name in Indian badminton, widely recognized for her outstanding achievements. She is the first Indian woman to win two Olympic medals—a bronze in 2020 and a silver in 2016—making her a significant figure in sports history. Sindhu’s international acclaim was further established when she won the 2019 BWF World Championships, along with consistent performances in major tournaments worldwide. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and disciplined training regimen make her a role model for aspiring athletes, especially as she gears up for the Paris Olympics in 2024.
3. HS Prannoy
HS Prannoy, born on July 17, 1992, in New Delhi, is affectionately dubbed the “Giant Killer” for his ability to triumph over top-tier players like Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei. His remarkable talent was on full display during India’s Thomas Cup victory in 2022 and when he clinched his first World Tour title at the Malaysia Masters in 2023. Prannoy’s career-high global ranking of No. 7 in 2024 and his qualification for the Paris Olympics further underscore his tenacity and skill, especially given the health challenges he has faced throughout his career.
Also Read: Top 10 Famous Indian Artists and Their Paintings
4. Kidambi Srikanth
Kidambi Srikanth, hailing from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, has made a significant impact on the Indian badminton scene. His rise to fame began with a stunning victory over Lin Dan at the China Open Super Series Premier in 2014, a moment that transformed his career. Srikanth has since accumulated several Super Series titles and reached the pinnacle of badminton by achieving a world No. 1 ranking in 2018. Notably, he also secured a silver medal at the BWF World Championships in 2021 and played an instrumental role in India’s Thomas Cup triumph in 2022.
Best Badminton (TANSO wild fire full Graphite Ultra Light), 77 gm.
5. Saina Nehwal
Saina Nehwal remains one of the biggest names in Indian badminton history. Born in Hisar, Haryana, on March 17, 1990, she made history by winning a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics and becoming the world No. 1 in 2015. Over her illustrious career, Saina has amassed more than 24 international titles, showcasing her incredible talent and dedication to the sport. Her resilience, especially in overcoming injuries, along with her gold medals from the Commonwealth Games, highlights her enduring legacy in Indian badminton.
6. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, born on August 13, 2000, in Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh, has been instrumental in revolutionizing Indian doubles badminton. Alongside partner Chirag Shetty, Satwik has achieved remarkable milestones, including their historic win at the 2022 Thomas Cup and a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. Their success continues with victories such as the 2023 Indonesia Open. Satwik’s prowess was further acknowledged when he set a Guinness World Record for the fastest badminton smash, showcasing the duo’s phenomenal skills.
7. Chirag Shetty
Chirag Shetty, born in Mumbai on July 4, 1997, has made a significant impact as a men’s doubles player alongside Satwiksairaj Rankireddy. Their journey from overcoming early challenges to achieving world No. 1 status is an inspiring tale in Indian badminton. Their notable victories in the 2022 Thomas Cup and the 2023 Indonesia Open illustrate their dominance in the sport, and they continue to maintain top rankings globally, affirming their status as one of the premier doubles teams in the world.
8. Sameer Verma
Sameer Verma, born in 1994 in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, hails from a family of badminton players and has shown remarkable potential throughout his career. His early training at the Gopichand Academy laid the groundwork for his success. Among his achievements are three BWF World Tour medals and a career-high world ranking of No. 6. Sameer’s competitive spirit and consistent performances make him a key player to watch in the future.
9. Kiran George
Kiran George, born on February 11, 2000, in Kochi, Kerala, comes from a badminton-oriented family. His rising skill has been evidenced by his wins at the 2023 Indonesia Masters and the 2022 Odisha Open. Known for his strategic gameplay and tenacity, Kiran’s promising performances, including a quarter-final finish at the 2023 Thailand Open, indicate his potential to become a significant player in Indian badminton as we look forward to 2024.
Also Read: Top 10 Toughest Pilgrimages Yatra in India
10. Priyanshu Rajawat
Finally, we have Priyanshu Rajawat, born on February 1, 2002, in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. As one of the most talented young shuttlers in India, Priyanshu has already made a name for himself. His participation in India’s 2022 Thomas Cup victory and his first BWF Super 300 championship at the 2023 Orleans Masters are notable milestones. His impressive victories over higher-ranked opponents underscore his potential to represent India on the global stage in badminton.
Conclusion
In summary, the landscape of badminton in India is evolving, and the contributions of these famous badminton players in India are pivotal to this change. From Lakshya Sen to PV Sindhu, each athlete has made significant strides in their careers, showcasing the sport’s potential in the country. As badminton gains momentum, aspiring players should closely follow the journeys of these champions, who continue to elevate the sport on the global stage. The future of Indian badminton looks bright, and these players are leading the way!