Badminton in India is one of the deeply ingrained in India’s sporting culture. The sport has a rich history in the country. However, its roots trace back to British colonial times. The Badminton history in India goes back to British colonial times in the mid-19th century. Badminton originated from the game “battledore and shuttlecock,” which was popular among British army commanders stationed in India. Officers played this game outside at the cantonments.
The game found its popularity in the city of Pune. British officers began to organise more formalised matches. In its early years, the game was known as “Poona” after the city. Later, it expanded to other parts of British India. The rules of the game were initially informal, but in 1873, the Duke of Beaufort organised a game at his estate, Badminton House in Gloucestershire, England, which formalised the sport’s name. Standardised rules were also developed. The British established the first badminton clubs in India.
The “Bombay Gymkhana” was one of the earliest clubs to offer badminton, and it quickly became a popular destination for fans of the sport. As interest rose, additional badminton clubs were founded around the country. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) was established in 1934 to control and promote the sport at the national level. BAI became an important body in organising competitions and enforcing rule consistency. It also played an important role in developing Indian players in international tournaments.
Over the years India has produced some greatest badminton players. Indian badminton players have showcased their skills and ability in the biggest stages of the competition. In the Olympics, Indian badminton players are expected and some of them are favourites to win the medals. We take a look at some of the greatest Indian badminton players for India.
Here are the top Badminton Players in India
10. Sai Praneeth
B Sai Praneeth is a former Indian badminton player. The 31-year-old badminton player made history in 2019. He became the first Indian male shuttler in 36 years to secure a bronze medal at the BWF World Championships after Prakash Padukone. The shuttler received the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2019 for his achievement. He also was trained by Pullela Gopichand. Praneeth will transition into a coaching role in the United States.
9. Ashwini Ponnappa
Ponnappa is renowned for her prowess in women’s and mixed doubles. She paired up with Jwala Gutta. They partnered with numerous international trophies. It includes Commonwealth Games gold and bronze medals at the Uber Cup and Asian Badminton Championships. In the 2011 BWF World Championships, the duo won bronze making them the first Indian women’s pair to achieve such a feat.
8. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy
Satwik Rankireddy is also from the Pullela Gopichand Academy. He joined the academy in 2014. Satwik with Chirag Shetty, achieved history as the only Indian doubles combination to become World No. 1. The pair win a BWF World Tour 1000 series, and win gold at the Asian Games. The 24-year badminton player also set a Guinness World Record for the fastest badminton hit by a male player, smashing at 565 km/h.
7. Parupalli Kashyap
Parupalli Kashyap previously ranked 6th in the world. Kashyap reached the men’s singles quarterfinals at the 2012 London Olympics. This was the first time an Indian male player had done so. He won the gold medal in men’s singles at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and was named Icon Player for the Banga Beats in the 2013 Indian Badminton League.
6. Pullela Gopichand
Gopichand is one of the finest former Indian badminton players. The current Chief National Coach for the Indian national badminton team. He clinched the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championships title in 2001 surpassing Prakash Padukone. Gopichand’s Badminton Academy has produced some of the greatest Indian badminton players. He was bestowed with the Arjuna Award in 1999. Then the Khel Ratna Award in 2001, the Dronacharya Award in 2009, and the Padma Bhushan in 2014.
5. Nandu Netakar
Netakar is also known as the “God of Indian Badminton.”He is the most popular sportsperson in India. Netakar remains one of the most popular badminton players in the country’s history. He was regarded as the king of his home court. The former shuttler finished eighth in the All-Indian Championship and received the first Arjuna Award in 1961. In 1956, he also became the first Indian to win an Indian championship.
4. Prakash Padukone
The former Indian shuttler became the first Indian to win the All England Open Badminton Championships in the same year, putting him at the top of the world rankings. In 1972, the Government of India bestowed the Arjuna Award on him. This was followed by the Padma Shri in 1982. He is a co-founder of the Olympic Gold Quest Foundation, which promotes Olympic sports in India.
3. Saina Nehwal
Nehwal was the only female player from India, and then the second Indian player, after Prakash Padukone to become the world number one ranking. She won the bronze medal in her second outing in London 2012 and became the first Indian to win a medal in Badminton in the Olympics. She is the first Indian to have won at least one medal in all three BWF major individual events. These are in the Olympics, the World Championships, and the World Junior Championships.
2. Lakshya Sen
The 22-year-old is currently ranked 19th in the world. He is one of India’s most promising players. Won gold at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Lakshya Sen was also a member of the 2022 Thomas Cup winning team, as well as the 2022 CWG team event silver medalists. He also won a silver medal in the 2018 Youth Olympics. He was amazing in the Paris Olympics however failed to win a medal.
1. PV Sindhu
The 29-year-old is the best badminton player in India. PV Sindhu made history by becoming the first Indian to win the badminton World Championships. She was second to secure consecutive Olympic medals. Sindhu’s career highlights include five medals at the BWF World Championships and victories at prestigious tournaments like the China Open and BWF World Tour Finals.
Apart from these 10 shuttlers, India is also nurturing some young talents who next can be the face of India. Lakshya Sen being there in the list but he is an upcoming talent for the nation. In the future at his age, he can be the best. However, let’s take a look at some of the upcoming Indian Badminton Players.
Here are the top emerging Indian Badminton Players
- Gayatri Gopichand
- Treesa Jolly
- Mithun Manjunath
- Aakarshi Kashyap
- Priyanshu Rajawat
- Malvika Bansod
- Tanisha Crasto
- Krishna Prasad Garaga
- Ishaan Bhatnagar
- Kiran George
These upcoming young talents will become superstars for India in the future. If they nurture themselves properly and get good coaching from the best academies they can bring in lots of medals for the nation. India’s progression from a colonial pastime to a modern-day sport showcases the country’s embrace and excellence in the sport. With a strong infrastructure, a bunch of talents, and expanding support, Indian badminton has emerged as a major force on the global scene, grooming future champions.
Do you like playing Badminton? Many other sports stars play this sport due to the high intensity and they play to increase their stamina as well. Let us know in the comments about your favourite player and your memory of playing or watching badminton on television or live in indoor stadiums. For more such updates follow sportsdrip.co.
