India is set to make its mark at the French Open 2024 badminton tournament with a formidable contingent of eleven shuttlers, including the illustrious two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu.
The prestigious Badminton World Federation (BWF) Super 750 event will kick off on Tuesday at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena in Paris, the same venue slated to host the badminton events at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics.
Sindhu's Return to BWF World Tour
All eyes will be on PV Sindhu as she makes her highly anticipated return to the BWF World Tour in Paris. Sindhu, who recently recovered from a lengthy injury layoff, showcased her prowess at the Badminton Asia Team Championships in Malaysia by leading the Indian women's team to a historic gold medal victory. In a sensational final against Thailand, Sindhu delivered a masterful performance, defeating world No. 17 Supanida Katethong with a commanding score of 21-12, 21-12. Notably, it was during last year's French Open that Sindhu sustained a knee injury in a clash with Katethong, sidelining her for nearly four months.
Indian Contenders in Men's Division
In the men's division, India's top shuttlers face challenging draws at the French Open. Priyanshu Rajawat will kick off his campaign against reigning world No. 1 Viktor Axelsen, while former champion Kidambi Srikanth squares off against world No. 14 Chou Tien Chen. Lakshya Sen will confront Japan's Kanta Tsuneyama, the 2021 French Open victor, while HS Prannoy, India's highest-ranked singles player at world No. 7, takes on China's Lu Guang Zu, the runner-up at last year's China Open.
Doubles Challenge and Olympic Qualification
India's formidable men's doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, will also vie for glory in Paris. Despite winning the French Open title in 2022 and finishing as runners-up in 2019, the duo faced a pre-quarterfinal defeat last year. They are determined to make amends as they face Malaysia's Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi in the round of 32.
In the women's doubles category, India's pairs of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, along with Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Castro, are set to clash in the opening match. Both pairs are in contention for qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics, with the French Open offering valuable qualifying ranking points.
Paris 2024 Olympics Qualification
The French Open 2024 holds significant importance for shuttlers aiming to secure qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics. With the qualification window for badminton opening on May 1 last year, players are striving to accumulate crucial ranking points to earn their spots at the prestigious multi-sport event.
French Open 2024 badminton: India squad
Men's singles: Kidambi Srikanth, Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, Priyanshu Rajawat
Women’s singles: PV Sindhu
Men’s doubles: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty
Women's doubles: Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand
How to watch the French Open 2024 badminton from India?
Sports 18 network will broadcast the French Open 2024 in India. It can be live-streamed via the Jio Cinema App and Badminton World Federation’s official YouTube channel BWF TV.
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