Indian badminton chases its big moment

The form, consistency of Satwik-Chirag and Prannoy raise hopes for multiple medals while Sindhu will look to find her best 

- Sandip Sikdar

As has been the norm the past decade, expectations will be high from Indian shuttlers who will chase Asian Games glory at the Binjiang Gymnasium from September 28 to October 7 in Hangzhou.

Irrespective of the tournament, Indian shuttlers today are among the favourites to win trophies or medals. For example, India have won at least one medal at every World Championships and Olympics since 2011. "India is now among the world's top badminton nations," says former chief national coach U Vimal Kumar.

It will be no different at the continental showpiece.

Perhaps India's best event will be the men's team competition, the Thomas Cup champions having outclassed powerhouses Malaysia, Denmark and Indonesia in knockout rounds in Bangkok last year. Pretty much the entire team - Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, Lakshya Sen, Satwiksairaj GA Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty and MR Arjun/ Dhruv Kapila - will be available in China too.

These players will present India an opportunity to win their first ever badminton gold at the Asian Games. Yes, India doesn't boast of a great record at the Asiad, having won a medal in only five of the 15 editions that had badminton. Indian shuttlers have won only one silver and nine bronze medals at the continental Games. That could change in Hangzhou given the strength of the men's outfit, which has a realistic chance of winning gold.