Tokyo, Japan: As the Japan Open 2023 badminton tournament kicks off in Tokyo, Indian ace PV Sindhu will be eyeing a return to form, while the formidable doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty aims to carry their winning momentum forward. The Japan Open 2023, the six-day BWF Super 750 tournament, starting from July 25 to 30, will play a crucial role in determining players’ qualifying rankings for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, currently ranked world No. 3 in men’s doubles, showcased their prowess last week at the Korea Open by defeating top-ranked Indonesians Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto in a thrilling final. It marked their third BWF World Tour title this year, solidifying their reputation as a dominant force on the badminton circuit. The duo’s unbeaten streak in their last ten matches on the BWF World Tour is a testament to their exceptional skill and teamwork, earning them the title of reigning Asian badminton champions.
On the other hand, PV Sindhu, the former world champion, has experienced a challenging season so far. With six first-round exits in twelve BWF tournaments this year, she has seen a dip in her rankings, currently standing at world No. 17,her worst position in a decade. However, the determined player will be hoping to turn her fortunes around at the Japan Open and advance deep into the tournament. Sindhu’s recent decision to appoint Malaysia’s Muhammad Hafiz Hashim as her personal coach until the Paris 2024 Olympics highlights her commitment to reclaiming her top form.
The Japan Open 2023 carries added significance for all participating Indian players, as the results will directly impact their qualifying rankings for the upcoming Paris Olympics. The qualification window for badminton started on May 1 this year, intensifying the competition for coveted spots at the prestigious global event.
Joining the action in the men’s singles event will be India’s HS Prannoy, who holds the eighth seed; former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth; and promising young talent Lakshya Sen. Priyanshu Rajawat, fresh off his victory at the Orleans Masters, will also be vying for glory on the court.
The Indian women’s doubles team of Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly is also set to showcase their skills in Tokyo, adding to the country’s representation at the Japan Open.
Japan Open 2023 badminton: Indian squad
Men’s singles: Lakshya Sen, Priyanshu Rajawat, HS Prannoy (8), Kidambi Srikanth
Women’s singles: PV Sindhu, Aakarshi Kashyap
Men’s doubles: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/ Chirag Shetty (3), MR Arjun/Dhruv Kapila
Women’s doubles: Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand
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