Indian Badminton Doubles Players Rising to Prominence
The landscape of Indian badminton has seen a significant shift in recent years, with doubles specialists gaining recognition and success on the international stage. While singles stars like P. V. Sindhu, H. S. Prannoy, and Lakshya Sen have long been in the limelight, the success of doubles pairs like Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, as well as the emerging duo of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, has captured the attention of fans and pundits alike.
Emerging Talent: Tanisha Crasto
Among the rising stars in Indian badminton is Tanisha Crasto, a 21-year-old doubles specialist who has been making waves in the sport. Tanisha’s partnership with former World Championships bronze medallist Ashwini Ponnappa has showcased her talent and potential in the doubles category.
Despite a winless campaign at the Paris Olympics, Tanisha’s journey is just beginning. Born in Dubai, she started playing badminton at a young age under the guidance of her father, who introduced her to the sport. Tanisha’s early success in the Gulf caught the attention of coaches, leading her to participate in ranking tournaments in India to face tougher competition.
Challenges and Triumphs
Tanisha’s journey to becoming a top doubles player was not without its challenges. Her father had to make sacrifices, leaving his job in an IT company to support her tournament travels. The financial burden on her family was significant, but Tanisha’s determination and talent eventually led her to major badminton academies in India, including the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy.
Initially a singles player, Tanisha’s transition to doubles was influenced by her father’s advice to play two events to broaden her skill set. She found her calling in women’s doubles and mixed doubles, forming successful partnerships along the way. Despite setbacks like her mixed doubles partner’s injury, Tanisha remained focused on her Olympic dream, showcasing her resilience and dedication to the sport.
Looking Towards the Future
In the 2024 season, Tanisha partnered with Dhruv Kapila for mixed doubles, showing early promise with a runner-up finish at the Syed Modi India International tournament. While focusing on mixed doubles, she continues to play women’s doubles with Ashwini Ponnappa, honoring her commitment to her longtime partner.
Tanisha also emphasized the importance of restarting the Premier Badminton League (PBL) to provide Indian shuttlers with more exposure and opportunities. The franchise-based league had previously featured top international stars and provided a platform for Indian players to showcase their talent and connect with potential sponsors.
As Indian badminton continues to evolve, the success and determination of players like Tanisha Crasto highlight the growing prominence of doubles specialists in the sport, inspiring a new generation of players to aim for greatness on the international stage.
Expanding Horizons: International Success
Indian badminton doubles players have been making waves not only in domestic competitions but also on the international circuit. The success of pairs like Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who have clinched medals at prestigious tournaments such as the Thailand Open and the Swiss Open, has elevated India’s presence in the doubles category. Their strong performances against formidable opponents from badminton powerhouses like China, Indonesia, and Denmark have established them as formidable contenders in the world of badminton.
Additionally, the emerging duo of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, coached by Pullela Gopichand, has shown promise in various junior tournaments. With guidance from experienced coaches and exposure to competitive environments, these young players are poised to make their mark on the international stage in the near future.
Training and Development: Academies and Support Systems
Indian badminton players, including doubles specialists, have benefitted from top-tier training facilities and coaching programs offered by renowned academies such as the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy and the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy. These institutions provide players with access to world-class coaches, state-of-the-art equipment, and structured training regimens to enhance their skills and competitive edge.
Moreover, the support system for doubles players has improved significantly in India, with sponsors and government initiatives stepping in to provide financial assistance and resources for training, travel, and participation in international tournaments. This backing has enabled players like Tanisha Crasto to pursue their athletic dreams without being hindered by financial constraints, allowing them to focus on honing their craft and achieving success on a global scale.
Strategic Partnerships: Leveraging Strengths
One of the key factors contributing to the rise of Indian badminton doubles players is the strategic partnerships formed within the sport. Doubles pairs like Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa have demonstrated the importance of synergy, communication, and complementary playing styles in achieving success on the court. By leveraging each other’s strengths and working cohesively as a team, these players have been able to compete effectively against top-ranked opponents and secure victories in high-stakes matches.
Furthermore, the evolution of game strategies and tactics in doubles play has been instrumental in the success of Indian players on the global stage. By adapting to the fast-paced nature of doubles matches, implementing innovative shot selections, and maintaining a high level of fitness and agility, Indian badminton doubles players have been able to outmaneuver their opponents and showcase their prowess in various international competitions.
Empowering Future Generations: Grassroots Development
As Indian badminton continues to witness the rise of doubles specialists and the success of young talents like Tanisha Crasto, there is a growing emphasis on grassroots development programs to nurture aspiring players from a young age. Initiatives such as talent identification camps, coaching clinics, and school-level competitions are being introduced to identify and groom the next generation of badminton stars.
By fostering a culture of sports excellence, providing access to training facilities, and instilling values of discipline and perseverance in young players, India aims to create a robust pipeline of talent that can sustain its dominance in badminton at the global level. Through continued investment in player development and infrastructure, Indian badminton looks set to thrive and produce more world-class doubles players in the years to come.
By focusing on strategic partnerships, training and development, international success, and grassroots empowerment, Indian badminton is poised to solidify its position as a powerhouse in the world of doubles badminton, continuing to inspire and captivate audiences with the skill, dedication, and passion of its players.
