Indian badminton stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. Who have previously clinched bronze medals at the World Championships. Have been placed in Group C for the men’s doubles event at the forthcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
Ranked third globally in badminton, Satwik-Chirag received seeding and were grouped with the formidable Indonesian duo of Fajar Alfian. And Muhammad Rian Ardianto, the only other top 10 pair in their group.
Group C Composition
Alongside these top contenders, the group also includes world No. 31 Mark Lamsfuss and Marvin Seidel from Germany. And the world No. 43 French pair, Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar. This draw is seen as advantageous for the Indian pair, positioning them as strong contenders for the gold medal.
Historical Advantage
Looking at past performances, Satwik and Chirag have a favorable track record against their Indonesian rivals, having won three out of their five encounters. Moreover, they remain undefeated against both their German and French group-stage opponents, adding to their confidence.
Fortunate Draws for Indian Shuttlers
The stroke of luck extends beyond just Satwik-Chirag. Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and India’s leading men’s singles player, HS Prannoy, also received favorable draws for their respective events in Paris.
Sindhu and Prannoy’s Campaigns
PV Sindhu will commence her Olympic journey in Group M, while Prannoy finds himself in Group K. Both Sindhu, ranked 13th in the world, and Prannoy, seeded 13th, are significantly higher ranked than their group opponents, setting the stage for promising performances.
Challenging Path for Lakshya Sen
However, not all Indian shuttlers have an easy path. Unseeded Lakshya Sen faces a tough challenge right from the start, as he is drawn against world No. 3 Jonatan Christie of Indonesia in Group L of the men’s singles.
Potential Thrilling Matchup
Should both Prannoy and Sen top their groups, they are set to face each other in a highly anticipated round of 16 clash, promising an exciting showdown for badminton fans.
The draw for the Paris 2024 Olympics has placed Indian shuttlers in a mix of favorable and challenging positions. With Satwik-Chirag, Sindhu, and Prannoy looking to capitalize on their advantageous draws, and Lakshya Sen ready to face tough competition, the stage is set for an exhilarating Olympic campaign for India’s badminton stars.
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