India, with its experienced players Unnati Hooda and Rakshitha Sree leading the charge, is all set to showcase its badminton prowess in the upcoming BWF World Junior Badminton Championships. The prestigious tournament will kick off at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati on Monday, marking the return of the championship to India after a gap of 17 years.
The championship, scheduled to take place from October 6 to 19, will be held in two phases. The initial phase will witness 36 teams competing for the esteemed Suhandinata Cup in the mixed team championships, followed by the individual championships for the Eye-Level Cup.
India has a history of success in the championships, having secured a total of 11 individual medals so far. The country’s best performance was in Pune in 2008, where they clinched a gold and bronze medal. Placed in Group H alongside UAE, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, India will participate in a newly introduced best-of-three set relay-scoring format, where each set will be a race to 45 points.
Sanjay Mishra, the General Secretary of BAI, expressed confidence in India’s performance, stating, “We have been performing quite well in the junior events over the last few years with BAI giving enough exposure to the players as part of the preparation for the World Junior Championships in Guwahati. We are once again expecting multiple medals this time around as most of the team members have been training at this very venue for the last year or so.”
India will commence its campaign against Nepal on Monday, followed by matches against Sri Lanka and UAE on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. Apart from India, other strong contenders for the medals include 14-time champion China, along with badminton powerhouses Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and holders Indonesia.
In the individual events, India’s medal hopes primarily lie in the girls’ singles category, represented by players like Tanvi Sharma, Vennala K, Unnati, and Rakshitha. The team’s singles coach, Park Tae-Sang, expressed confidence in their abilities, stating, “All our four girls singles players are medal contenders and can even win the gold medal. Even our boys can beat any opponent on their day and I am confident that they will excel in home conditions.”
Rounak Chohan and Gnana Dattu TT will be key players in the boys’ singles category, while Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu will be aiming for success in the boys’ doubles event. The duo achieved the world number one ranking earlier this year, giving India hope for a breakthrough in paired events.
Doubles specialist coach Ivan Sozonov expressed optimism about India’s prospects in the doubles category, stating, “I am aware that India has never won a medal in the paired events before this but this time we have a formidable line-up. These players have been playing regularly on the circuit and that experience of training at this venue should help them a lot.”
With a strong team and a supportive home crowd, India is geared up for a remarkable performance in the BWF World Junior Badminton Championships, aiming to add more medals to its impressive tally.
### India’s Promising Talent in Badminton
As India gears up to host the prestigious BWF World Junior Badminton Championships, the spotlight is on the country’s emerging talent in the sport. With seasoned players like Unnati Hooda and Rakshitha Sree leading the charge, India’s badminton prowess is set to shine on the world stage. The championship, set to take place in Guwahati, marks a significant moment as India hosts the event after a gap of 17 years, showcasing the nation’s growing stature in the world of badminton.
#### India’s Legacy in the Championships
India has a rich history in the BWF World Junior Badminton Championships, having clinched a total of 11 individual medals in past editions. The country’s standout performance in Pune in 2008, where they secured a gold and bronze medal, remains a proud moment for Indian badminton. With such a strong legacy, the current Indian contingent is poised to build upon this success and make their mark in the upcoming tournament.
#### The Road to Success
The journey to the championship has been a rigorous one for the Indian players, with the Badminton Association of India (BAI) playing a pivotal role in their preparation. Sanjay Mishra, the General Secretary of BAI, highlighted the extensive training and exposure given to the players in the lead-up to the tournament. This strategic approach has instilled confidence in the team, with expectations running high for a stellar performance on home turf.
#### Medal Contenders and Rising Stars
In the individual events, India’s medal hopes primarily rest on the girls’ singles category, where promising talents like Tanvi Sharma, Vennala K, Unnati, and Rakshitha are set to showcase their skills. With the guidance of coach Park Tae-Sang, these young players are viewed as strong contenders for podium finishes, with the potential to even vie for the coveted gold medal.
In the boys’ singles category, players like Rounak Chohan and Gnana Dattu TT are expected to make their presence felt, while Bhargav Ram Arigela and Viswa Tej Gobburu aim to make a mark in the boys’ doubles event. The duo’s previous achievement of attaining the world number one ranking earlier this year is a testament to India’s growing prowess in paired events.
#### Optimism in Doubles
Doubles specialist coach Ivan Sozonov exudes optimism about India’s prospects in the doubles category, emphasizing the formidable line-up of players ready to make their mark. While India has yet to secure a medal in paired events in the past, the current team’s experience and training regimen provide a strong foundation for success. With a blend of skill, strategy, and determination, India’s doubles players are poised to break new ground in the championship.
### Conclusion
As India braces for the commencement of the BWF World Junior Badminton Championships, the stage is set for a display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship. With a strong team, experienced coaches, and unwavering support from the home crowd, India’s badminton stars are ready to seize their moment and etch their names in the annals of the sport. The championship promises thrilling matches, fierce competition, and the chance for India to add to its impressive medal tally, solidifying its stature as a force to be reckoned with in the world of badminton.
