Indian badminton players are showcasing exceptional skills at the Syed Modi International Badminton Championship 2024 in Lucknow. With a prize pool of ₹1.8 crore, the tournament has seen India’s top shuttlers advance to the semi-finals in multiple categories, keeping fans excited.
PV Sindhu Cruises to Semi-Finals in Women’s Singles
India’s badminton star PV Sindhu has secured her place in the semi-finals of the women’s singles. Ranked 18th globally, Sindhu outclassed China’s Dai Wang in straight sets, 21-15, 21-17. Her dominance in both games reflected her experience and skill against the 118th-ranked player. Sindhu will now face fellow Indian Unnati Hooda, the Odisha Open 2022 winner, in the next round. Hooda earned her spot by defeating Ishika Jaiswal of the USA 21-16, 21-9.
Lakshya Sen Shines in Men’s Singles
Top seed Lakshya Sen continued his impressive run, defeating compatriot Meisnam Luang Merba 21-8, 21-19. While the first set was a breeze, Sen had to fight hard in the second when Merba staged a late comeback. Sen’s agility and precise shots ensured his victory. He now prepares to face Japan’s Shogo Ogawa, who upset eighth seed Ayush Shetty of India 21-7, 21-14.
Priyanshu Rajawat Advances in Style
Second seed Priyanshu Rajawat also secured a semi-final spot in men’s singles with a commanding win over Vietnam’s Nguyen He Dang, 21-13, 21-8. Rajawat will now face Singapore’s Jia Heng Jason Teoh in the next round. Teoh defeated India’s R. Sanjeevi Satish Kumar in a hard-fought match, 21-10, 22-20.
Indian Doubles Teams in Top Form
India’s doubles teams have also delivered standout performances:
- In mixed doubles, fifth-seeded Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto beat Malaysia’s Lu Bing Kuo and Ho Lo Yi 21-16, 21-13 to reach the semi-finals.
- Tanisha Crasto, teaming up with Olympian Ashwini Ponnappa in women’s doubles, overcame Shruti Mishra and Priya Konjengbam 21-12, 17-21, 21-16 in a thrilling quarter-final.
- Second seeds Trisha Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand P. cruised past sixth seeds Go Pei Ki and Teoh Mei Jing from Malaysia with a comfortable 21-8, 21-15 win.
Key Highlights from the Championship
- Prize Pool: ₹1.8 crore
- Venue: Yonex Sunrise Babu Banarasi Das Badminton Academy, Lucknow
- Sindhu’s Target: Facing Unnati Hooda in the semi-finals
- Lakshya’s Challenge: Preparing to tackle Shogo Ogawa in the men’s singles semi-finals
With Indian players dominating the semi-finals, the Syed Modi International Championship promises an exciting finish. Fans eagerly await to see if India can claim victories in multiple categories.
