Badminton

Before the 2021 biographical film on badminton star Saina Nehwal took shape, actor Shraddha Kapoor was the sportsperson’s first choice to portray her on screen. The revelation offers insight into the early creative discussions behind the project and highlights how casting decisions can evolve due to scheduling, preparation timelines and strategic considerations.

Indian shuttler Devika Sihag has captured her first Super 300 title, marking a significant breakthrough in her professional badminton career. The victory, achieved after a composed and tactically astute performance in the final, positions Sihag as one of the most promising names to watch on the international circuit. Beyond personal achievement, the win reflects the growing depth of India’s badminton ecosystem, particularly in the women’s segment.

Lakshya Sen capped a challenging year with a decisive triumph at the Australian Open, securing his first title of the season and reaffirming his standing among badminton’s most promising talents. The victory ends months of near-misses and resilience-testing performances, offering a timely boost to his competitive trajectory. Sen’s campaign in Sydney showcased a blend of tactical maturity, physical discipline, and renewed confidence—qualities that had intermittently eluded him earlier in the season.

As the Hylo Open 2025 unfolds in Saarbrücken, Germany, Indian badminton stars Lakshya Sen and Kidambi Srikanth are poised to lead the nation’s campaign in one of the season’s most crucial Super 300 tournaments. The event, part of the BWF World Tour, provides an important platform for players to secure valuable ranking points ahead of major global events. With India fielding a strong contingent across categories, expectations are high for a deep run from both seasoned shuttlers and emerging talents.

India has achieved a historic milestone by winning its first-ever medal at the Badminton World Junior Mixed Team Championships, signaling a new era for the nation’s youth badminton program. The achievement reflects the rising standard of Indian junior players on the global stage and underscores the effectiveness of grassroots development, coaching initiatives, and talent scouting. Analysts emphasize that this breakthrough not only elevates India’s international badminton profile but also inspires emerging athletes across the country.

India’s badminton ace PV Sindhu faced a major setback at the Badminton World Championships after being knocked out in the quarterfinals, ending her quest for a podium finish. The two-time world champion and Olympic medalist entered the tournament with high expectations, but her defeat underscores the fierce competition on the global stage and the challenges of maintaining peak performance against younger, dynamic opponents.

Olympic medalist and badminton champion Saina Nehwal recently stirred curiosity among fans and followers after sharing a photograph alongside her husband and fellow shuttler Parupalli Kashyap—just weeks after widespread speculation of their separation surfaced. Accompanied by the cryptic caption “Sometimes...”, the image has sparked a wave of interpretations, ranging from reconciliation to mutual respect post-breakup.

Bengaluru-based sports technology startup Machaxi has raised USD 1.5 million (approximately Rs. 12.8 crore) in a funding round led by Rainmatter, the investment arm of Zerodha, with notable participation from badminton legend Prakash Padukone. The company plans to expand its AI-driven badminton coaching platform beyond Bengaluru to Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai.