India Open 2024: Badminton Stars Prannoy and Sen Gear Up for Crucial Olympics Qualification
Badminton stars Prannoy and Sen gear up for the India Open 2024, a crucial tournament in the Paris Olympics qualification race. The Super 750 status elevates the stakes, promising thrilling battles and intense competition.
As the India Open 2024, granted Super 750 status, approaches, badminton stars HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen underline the tournament’s pivotal role in securing additional points crucial for the Paris Olympics qualification. The event, organized by the Badminton Association of India (BAI) and set to unfold at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi from January 16-21, 2024, is anticipated to draw intense competition from 247 players representing 23 countries.
Prominent international shuttlers, including Vitidsarn, Axelsen, Intanon, and Yamaguchi, will headline the prestigious tournament, with Japan fielding the largest contingent of 37 players. The elevated Super 750 status amplifies the tournament’s significance, especially in the context of the upcoming Paris Olympics.
BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer commended India’s emergence as a badminton powerhouse and expressed excitement about the heightened anticipation leading up to Paris 2024. The India Open is poised to provide Indian players with a crucial opportunity to accumulate higher-ranking points on home turf, aiding their qualification journey for the Olympics.
Advertisement
BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra acknowledged the India Open’s historical importance and its role in shaping future badminton champions. The electrifying atmosphere and intense competition are expected to make the event memorable for fans.
HS Prannoy, currently ranked 8th in the Race to Paris rankings, views the India Open as a chance to improve his ranking ahead of the Summer Olympics. He emphasizes the added boost of playing on home soil and the motivating support of fans.
Lakshya Sen, the 2022 India Open winner, recognizes the tournament’s influential role in shaping his career and aims to secure a favorable position in the Paris Olympics qualification. Sen, currently ranked 17th, is optimistic about making a significant impact in the rankings.
With a prize pool of USD 850,000, the Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2024 is set to witness a stellar lineup, including reigning World champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn, top seed Viktor Axelsen, and other top-ranking players. The tournament’s significance is heightened as it contributes to the journey of Indian shuttlers aiming for success on the global stage.
–IANS