India’s Young Badminton Stars Shine at Badminton Asia U-17 & U-15 Championships
Lakshya Rajesh, Diksha Sudhakar, and Jagsher Singh Stand Out on Day 2
India’s rising badminton talents showcased their skills on Day 2 of the Badminton Asia Under-17 & Under-15 Championships 2025, with impressive performances securing Round of 16 berths in various categories.
In the U-17 girls’ singles category, Lakshya Rajesh and Diksha Sudhakar delivered strong performances to advance to the pre-quarters. Lakshya defeated Chinese Taipei’s Kuan Yi Lin 21-17, 21-11, while Diksha made a remarkable comeback to beat China’s Luo Ya Ru 17-21, 21-16, 21-11. Meanwhile, in the boys’ singles, Jagsher Singh Khangurra impressed with a commanding victory over China’s Zhang Yu Feng with a score of 21-14, 21-17.
India’s doubles teams also showed their prowess on the court. The girls’ doubles pair of Deepak Raj Aditi and P. Vriddhi defeated Malaysia’s Sue Mei Teoh and Zi Qing Wan 22-20, 21-12. In the U-15 mixed doubles, Hemanth Sri Sammetla and Sharayu Ranjane cruised past the fifth-seeded Singapore pairing of Ng Yu Ze and Loo Kit Rei Chara with a score of 21-9, 21-11 to secure a spot in the Round of 16.
With Anvi Rathore, Wazir Singh, and SL Dhakshan Sugumaran continuing their winning streak, along with top-seeded girls’ singles player Shaina Manimuthu registering a convincing 21-6, 21-10 victory against Malaysia’s Jing Er Tan, India’s contingent is poised for success at the Championships.
Having previously won gold and bronze in 2024, as well as gold, silver, and bronze in 2023, India’s 36-member squad is determined to compete for top honors in both the U-17 and U-15 categories at this year’s Championships.
Upcoming Sub Junior & Junior National Squash Championships 2025 in Chennai
Event to Unite 623 Young Athletes Representing the Future of Indian Squash
The Sub Junior & Junior National Squash Championships 2025 are set to take place in Chennai from October 25 to 31, bringing together 623 talented young athletes across 10 categories to compete for top honors and showcase the future of Indian squash.
The tournament will kick off with qualification rounds on October 25, leading to the main draw from October 28 to 31. While the Nationals will feature emerging talent from across India, 17-year-old Anahat Singh will not participate this year as she focuses on competing on the PSA Tour to improve her world ranking.
Anil Wadhwa, president of the SRFI, highlighted the significance of the Sub Junior & Junior Nationals as the premier junior event on the SRFI calendar, providing a platform for young squash players to test their skills at a national level. The Championships promise a week of intense competition, showcasing top seeds and emerging talent.
Gaganjeet Bhullar Leads Indian Charge at International Series Philippines
Indian Golfer Tied for Seventh Place After Impressive First Round
Indian golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar led the Indian contingent at the International Series Philippines, finishing the first round tied for seventh place, just three strokes behind leader Sarit Suwannarut of Thailand. Bhullar, the 2023 BNI Indonesian Masters champion, carded an impressive five-under 66 at the picturesque Sta Elena Golf Course, recording six birdies against a solitary bogey. He expressed satisfaction with hitting 15 greens in regulation.
Bhullar’s compatriots Ajeetesh Sandhu and Karandeep Khochhar also had a solid start, finishing the day two under par. However, SSP Chawrasia and Rayhan Thomas face challenges to make the weekend cut, with scores of +2 and +5 respectively. Notable players in the field include former world No.1 Dustin Johnson, as well as Major champions Patrick Reed and Louis Oosthuizen.
As the competition heats up, Indian golf fans eagerly await the performance of their top players in the International Series Philippines.
India’s Dominance in Badminton Continues
India’s young badminton stars have been making waves on the international stage, showcasing their skills and determination to succeed. With players like Lakshya Rajesh, Diksha Sudhakar, and Jagsher Singh leading the charge, India’s presence in the badminton world is growing stronger with each tournament.
One key factor in India’s success in badminton is the robust training infrastructure and coaching support that the players receive. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has been instrumental in nurturing talent from a young age, providing the necessary resources and guidance to help players reach their full potential. This investment in grassroots development is paying off, as evidenced by the stellar performances of India’s rising stars at international competitions.
Building a Strong Foundation: Grassroots Development in Indian Badminton
India’s success in badminton is not just a result of individual talent but also a testament to the focus on grassroots development within the sport. The BAI has been actively promoting badminton at the grassroots level, organizing training camps, talent identification programs, and competitions across the country. This emphasis on nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to excel has been instrumental in India’s emergence as a powerhouse in badminton.
One of the key initiatives undertaken by the BAI is the establishment of regional training centers and academies to identify and train promising players from a young age. These centers provide world-class coaching, infrastructure, and exposure to competitive play, laying the foundation for future success on the international stage. The focus on holistic development, including physical conditioning, mental training, and tactical skills, ensures that Indian players are well-equipped to compete against the best in the world.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Indian Badminton
With a talented pool of young players like Lakshya Rajesh, Diksha Sudhakar, and Jagsher Singh making their mark on the international circuit, the future of Indian badminton looks bright. These players, along with others in the pipeline, are poised to carry forward India’s legacy in the sport and compete at the highest levels.
As Indian badminton continues to grow in stature and influence, there is a sense of optimism and excitement surrounding the sport. With the right support, coaching, and opportunities, Indian players have the potential to dominate the global badminton scene and bring glory to the nation.
Overall, India’s success at the Badminton Asia Under-17 & Under-15 Championships is a testament to the hard work, talent, and dedication of the country’s young badminton stars. With a strong foundation in place and a bright future ahead, Indian badminton is well-positioned to achieve even greater success on the world stage.
