The 20-member Indian badminton squad for Asian Games 2018 was announced on Wednesday. The team consisted a mix of experience with some of the unknown youngsters. World No.7 Kidambi Srikanth would lead the men’s squad, whereas, world No. 3 P.V. Sindhu would lead the women’s squad.
In the men’s team, World No. 13 HS Prannoy, B Sai Praneeth, Sameer Verma, Pranaav Chopra and the doubles pairs of Chirag Shetty-Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Sumeeth Reddy-Manu Attri automatically got into the team based on their rankings.
In the women’s team, World No. 10 Saina Nehwal, Sikki Reddy and Ashwini Ponappa automatically got into the team based on their rankings.
BAI selected the rest of the players by organising two senior ranking tournaments in Bangalore and Hyderabad that allowed the domestic players to showcase their talent and get into the team.
India’s chief coach Pullela Gopichand’s daughter Gayathri Gopichand also made the cut into the team. Khelo India School Games silver medallist Akarshi Kashyap was also included in the team. Ashmita Chaliha, Sai Uttejitha Rao, Rutuparna Panda and Aarthi Sara Sunil were the other selected members in women’s squad.
Sourabh Verma made the cut in the men’s squad.
“The selection committee did a wonderful job in putting up the squad together. To keep the selection process fair and transparent, certain criteria were set by the selection panel with key being the points earned by each player from the two qualification domestic tournaments. Wherever the scores of two players were same; their head to head performances were considered before finalising the names. I must say all the players who have been selected deserved a chance to represent the country. I would like to congratulate the players and wish them all the best for the games.” said BAI President Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Indian badminton squad for Asian Games 2018
Men’s– Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, B Sai Praneeth, Sameer Verma, Pranaav Chopra, Chirag Shetty, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Sumeeth Reddy, Manu Attri and Sourabh Verma.
Women’s– PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Sikki Reddy, Ashwini Ponappa, Gayathri Gopichand, Akarshi Kashyap, Ashmita Chaliha, Sai Uttejitha Rao, Rutuparna Panda and Aarthi Sara Sunil
History- In the previous edition
In team event, India’s women’s team of Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, PC Thulasi, Ashwini Ponappa, PV Sindhu, Sikki Reddy and Pradnya Gadre went on till the semi final stage and lost to South Korea, winning a bronze medal.
In individual events, Saina Nehwal and men’s doubles pairing of Sumeeth Reddy and Manu Attri were the best show for the country. They went on till the quarter final stage.
History- Best performing country
China is the most successful country in badminton at the Asian Games. They have won 40 gold, 28 silver and 33 bronze constituting to a total of 101 medals.
India is at the 8th spot in the table with 8 bronze medal.
