CHENNAI: With the Dubai World Superseries Finals scheduled from December 13-17, India’s hopes will be pinned on Kidambi Srikanth and PV Sindhu who have qualified for the $1,000,000 tournament so far. Nozomi Okuhara has already withdrawn due to injury, and if there is one more no-show, Saina Nehwal might make the grade.
Srikanth’s meteoric rise was marked by him clinching four Superseries titles in 2017. But an injury saw the 24-year-old skip both the China Open and Hong Kong Open. Rio Olympics silver medallist Sindhu has two Superseries titles going into Dubai, following her triumph at the India Open (April) and Korea Open (September).
Encouragingly, India has two more in the top-10 in HS Prannoy and Saina Nehwal. This is the first time that India has had four shuttlers in the global top-10.
Speaking to Express, former India shuttler Aparna Popat described this as “tremendous progress”, underlining a healthy sign for Indian badminton. “I would say India is at par (with other successful badminton-playing countries), in terms of fitness, confidence and exposure. We have always had the talent.”
Despite the improved showing ranking-wise, no Indian has won the World Superseries Finals title. And in order to change that, Indian shuttlers need to find their mojo on the big stage, felt Popat. “Indian players have talent. But they have to perform well at the highest level, at the right moment. You remain fit and strike form at the right time — that’s necessary,” Popat added.
She admitted maintaining consistency could become an issue, with fixture congestion. “The game has become physical with many countries vying for better results, and fitness-wise, it has become even more demanding. So, it becomes difficult for players to continue performing consistently.”
Unfortunately for India, no doubles pair has made the final list of qualifiers for Dubai. Explaining this deficiency, Popat said, “There are a couple of reasons. Traditionally, India has not been that good in doubles. I think doubles players are doing well in their own right. But rather than judging them by comparing them with singles players, we have to evaluate their progress chart.”
She cited the progress made by mixed doubles pairing of Pranaav Jerry Chopra and N Sikki Reddy, who reached the Japan Open last-four. As a way forward for doubles, Popat said, “There is always room for improvement but these guys are on the correct path. They need to find the right formula and aim to get into the top-10 for starters.”
tathagata@newindianexpress.com