On Thursday, July 17th, it was disappointing for Indian badminton on the Indian badminton at the Japanese Super 750, because two of the highest candidates for the ground – Lakeshya dream and the male double duo satwiksairaj Ranleddy and Chirag Shetty – fell in the 16th rounds.
Both matches ended with direct defeats, and even the Indian challenge did not last just under an hour. Dream went down 19-21, 11-21 to Japanese Kodai Naraoka while Satwik-Chirag The couple lost 22-24, 14-21 with the Chinese duo Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang.
The dream, which was the best Indian chance to ensure a medal for the Olympic Games in Paris, started well and pushed Naraoka in the competing first game. However, the Japanese shutter increased its level in the second and took control of the assembly and played a dream that tried to find a rhythm and consistency.
A few men’s quadruple couples faced a similar fate. Despite the slow start, Satwik and Chirag managed to remain competitive in the first game, saving more game points than lost 22-24. However, the Chinese couple dominated the second game with greater control and intensity and kept the Indians on the back leg all the time.
With these losses, the Indian campaign carried out a big intervention. Several key names, including HS prannoy and Pv sindhuHe left the tournament earlier in the week. The reflector will now move to Anupama Upiphyaya, who remains the only remaining Indian candidate. She is ready to face the Chinese Wang Zhi Yi in her female singles 16 matches.
The overall performance of the Indian contingent in Japan was stunning. The form of some of the best Indian players begins to raise concerns. There is no lack of talent in the group, but the inability to close key points and keeping intensity in longer matches is still a recurring problem.
As the tour moves forward, Indian shuttles will try to quickly rearrange and find dynamics in the upcoming tournaments.
– ends
Published:
Amar Pancker
Published on:
July 17, 2025
