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Vimal Kumar Sees Strong Indian Badminton Asian Games Prospects
India is preparing to compete in badminton at the Asian Games.
Former coach Vimal Kumar thinks India could win more than three medals.
He says the team needs strong starts from Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty.
Lakshya had a back problem but appears to be training well again.
Ayush has already beaten several top players.
Older players such as Srikanth and H. S. Prannoy can also help the team.
However, the singles players need to perform consistently in important matches.
The men’s competition is very close, with many players at a similar level.
A new scoring format means everyone must play quickly and make very few mistakes.
Former coach Vimal Kumar believes India can exceed its three-medal haul from the 2023 Asian Games.
He says Lakshya Sen and Ayush Shetty must deliver consistently in the first singles matches.
Lakshya Sen has recovered from a back issue and is expected to lead India’s singles lineup.
Experienced players Srikanth and H. S. Prannoy remain capable of beating top opponents but need greater consistency.
The new 15-point format will emphasize speed, reflexes, quick adaptation and avoiding mistakes.
- Who
- Former coach Vimal Kumar and India’s 20-member badminton contingent, including Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.
- What
- India will compete for badminton medals at the Asian Games, with Kumar assessing its chances of improving on three medals.
- Where
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- When
- The team event begins on September 20, followed by individual competitions on September 25; Olympic qualification begins next year.
- Why
- India’s prospects depend on consistent singles performances, strong starts and rapid adaptation to the new 15-point format.
Medal Optimism
Performance Concerns
India’s medal potential
Medal Optimism
Vimal Kumar believes India has a formidable team and a good chance of surpassing its previous three-medal tally.
Performance Concerns
Kumar says that opportunity will depend on singles players delivering in crucial matches and overcoming inconsistency.
Lakshya Sen’s readiness
Medal Optimism
Lakshya has returned to training, appears in better shape and spirits, and has reportedly recovered from his back issue.
Performance Concerns
He has made early exits in his last five events, and Kumar says he needs more competitive matches to regain his best form.
Men’s singles competition
Medal Optimism
India’s players are capable of defeating leading opponents, while Ayush has beaten several top players in recent months.
Performance Concerns
Around 25 to 30 players are operating at a similar level, making consistency and error-free play decisive.
Key facts
- Previous Asian Games haul
- Three medals at Hangzhou in 2023
- 2023 highlights
- Men’s doubles gold, men’s team silver and singles bronze
- Indian contingent
- 20 badminton players
- Team event
- Begins September 20
- Individual events
- Begin September 25
- New scoring system
- Best-of-three games to 15 points
- Key concern
- Inconsistent performances from Indian singles players
Quotes
Vimal Kumar
Former Indian badminton coach and lead coach at Bengaluru’s Centre of Excellence
“There is a good possibility. What I have observed is that among the Asian teams, India, at the moment, has quite a formidable team. We reached the Thomas Cup semifinals and beat teams like Chinese Taipei convincingly”
rediff.com
“It is going to be a lot more about speed and reflexes and the most important aspect is zero mistakes. We cannot afford to make mistakes.”
rediff.com
Sources
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