Badminton has been gaining popularity over the last 10 years and a number of players have become consistent performers who have excelled at the international stage. Such has been the growth of the sport that the players and fans are genuinely disappointed when they miss out on a podium finish at World events like the World Championship or the Olympics.
Here in this article, we shuttle through the careers and journeys of the top Indian badminton players who have made a real impact on the sport. From historic wins to inspiring performances, this is a list of leading Indian badminton players that have played a huge part in elevating the sport to new heights and getting plenty of recognition across the globe.
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List of Top 10 Indian Badminton Players
1. PV Sindhu
Pusarla Venkata (PV) Sindhu, born on July 5, 1995, is considered to be one of India’s best badminton player, and perhaps the most famous female Indian badminton players. Sindhu scripted history when she became the first Indian player to win the badminton World Championships and the second to clinch successive Olympic medals. The Hyderabad shuttler has also won five medals at the BWF World Championships and has already won the China Open and BWF World Tour Finals.
Early Beginnings: Born on September 5, 1995, in Hyderabad, PV Sindhu started her career with rigorous training under Pullela Gopichand.
Historic Achievements: She made history by winning silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics and gold at the 2019 BWF World Championships and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Key Wins: Her victories demonstrate her powerful game and agility on the court.
Current Status: Sindhu remains a dominant force in international badminton, continuously pushing the boundaries of the sport.
Awards: Arjuna Award, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan.
2. Saina Nehwal
Before PV Sindhu took the centrestage, Saina Nehwal had laid the perfect platform for Badminton to take off. Nehwal, born on March 17, 1990, is of the leading female Indian badminton player and she started her journey at a young age taking up the sport after her mother, a former state-level player.
Saina trained under Pullela Gopichand and went on to become world number 1 in Badminton. She was won an Olympic Bronze medal in 2012 and bagged multiple Commonwealth Games gold medals. These feats have certainly put her on the podium in Indian badminton.
Early Start: Born in Hisar, Haryana, in 1990, Saina Nehwal’s journey began with early training under her father’s guidance.
Breakthrough Achievement: She gained global recognition by winning a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, becoming the first Indian female to do so.
Major Triumphs: Notable victories include the 2015 Indian Open Super Series and the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medal.
Current Impact: Known for her relentless determination and powerful play, Saina continues to inspire future athletes.
Awards: Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, Padma Bhushan.
3. Kidambi Srikanth
Kidambi Srikanth, born on February 7, 1993, is perhaps one of the best male Indian badminton player who went on to become world number 1. Hailing from Ravulapalem, Andhra Pradesh, he trained at the Gopichand Academy.
In 2014, Srikanth became the first Badminton player in India to win a Super Series Premier men’s title at the China Open. He won four Super Series titles in 2017, equaling the records of badminton legends. Srikanth’s achievements have solidified his place among the top Indian badminton players.
Early Beginnings: Born in Andhra Pradesh in 1993, Kidambi Srikanth’s rise began with local tournaments before making his mark globally.
Historic Achievement: In 2018, he became the first Indian male player to achieve the World No. 1 ranking.
Major Triumphs: Key victories include the 2017 Australian Open Super Series and the 2014 Indian Open Super Series.
Current Role: Srikanth continues to be a formidable competitor in men’s singles, known for his strategic play.
Awards: Padma Shri, Arjuna Award.
4. Prakash Padukone
Prakash Padukone, born on June 10, 1955, is often called the torchbearer for Indian badminton as he became the first Indian to win the All England Open Badminton Championships in 1980. He then went on to become the world number 1 ranking in the same year.
Padukone started his career with a win in the Karnataka state junior championship in 1964 and then dominated the Indian National Championships for seven consecutive years and won the men’s singles gold medal at the 1978 Commonwealth Games.
Early Training: Born in Bangalore in 1955, Padukone’s career began with early training under his father’s guidance.
Historic Victory: In 1980, he won the All England Open Badminton Championships, becoming the first Indian to do so.
Legacy: Padukone’s success paved the way for Indian badminton and inspired a generation of players.
Ongoing Influence: His contributions continue to impact the sport, fostering future talents.
5. Sai Praneeth
Bhamidipati Sai Praneeth, born on August 10, 1992, is a male Indian badminton player became the first Indian male player to win a medal (Bronze) at the 2019 BWF World Championships. He achieved this feat after 36 years.
He made into the finals of the World Championships in 2021 and this made him one of the top Indian badminton players.
Early Life: Born in Andhra Pradesh in 1992, Sai Praneeth’s dedication was evident through rigorous training and early successes.
Breakthrough Achievement: Gained recognition with a bronze medal at the 2019 BWF World Championships.
Key Victories: His win at the 2017 Singapore Open Super Series highlighted his potential.
Current Status: Continues to be a significant player in men’s singles, known for his resilience and strategic play.
Awards: Arjuna Award.
6. Pullela Gopichand
Pullela Gopichand, born on November 16, 1973, is a former Indian badminton player and is currently the Chief National Coach of the Indian badminton team. Like Padukone, he won the All England Open Badminton Championships in 2001.
He is now a top Badminton coach and a number of leading Indian badminton players have all trained and continue to train in this academy.
Early Career: Born in Hyderabad in 1975, Gopichand achieved prominence as a player, including winning the All England Open Badminton Championships in 2001
.Coaching Success: As a coach, he has mentored stars like PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth, revolutionizing Indian badminton.
Ongoing Influence: Gopichand’s coaching has shaped the future of Indian badminton, ensuring a legacy of excellence.
Awards: Arjuna Award, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, Dronacharya Award, Padma Bhushan.
7. Parupalli Kashyap
Parupalli Kashyap is an Indian badminton player entered history books when he reached the men’s singles quarterfinals at the 2012 London Olympics. He then went on to win Gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
His success at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and other international tournaments has made him a key figure in Indian badminton.
Early Beginnings: Born in Hyderabad in 1986, Kashyap’s career began with a focus on developing his skills through intense training.
Career Milestone: His gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games marked a significant achievement.
Key Wins: Known for his strategic approach and perseverance in men’s singles.
Current Role: Continues to be a key player, known for his resilience and skill.
8. Ashwini Ponnappa
Ashwini Ponnappa, born on September 18, 1989, is another leading female Indian badminton player who has been quite a success story in women’s and mixed doubles. She has already won a number of international accolades and this includes a historic bronze at the 2011 BWF World Championships.
Ponnappa, along with her partner Jwala Gutta, bagged India’s first-ever gold in women’s doubles at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
9. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, born on August 13, 2000, has became a rising star among male Indian badminton players. He, along with his partner Chirag Shetty, became the first Indian doubles pair to achieve a World Number 1 ranking.
Rankireddy and Shetty’s historic achievements include winning the men’s doubles gold at the 2023 Asian Games and the BWF World Tour 1000 series. These consistent performances have already set new benchmarks for Indian badminton players.
Early Beginnings: Born in Andhra Pradesh in 2000, Satwik’s career began with a focus on doubles and rigorous training.
Breakthrough Success: His partnership with Chirag Shetty led to victories such as the 2021 Thailand Open.
Key Achievements: Known for his impressive speed and coordination in doubles events.
Current Status: Remains a dynamic force in international badminton.
10. Chirag Shetty
Chirag Shetty, born on July 4, 1997, is a top Indian badminton player who, along with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, has become a consistent playing combination in men’s doubles. They brought home in India’s first-ever gold in men’s doubles at the Asian Games.
Shetty and Rankireddy have already achieved victories at the Commonwealth Games, Thailand Open, as well as other prestigious tournaments have made them one of the top doubles pairs in the world. Their achievements continue to inspire the next generation of Indian badminton players.
Early Training: Born in Mumbai in 1997, Chirag’s badminton journey started with local training and competitive play.
Career Highlights: His partnership with Satwiksairaj Rankireddy led to wins at the 2019 French Open Super Series and the 2021 Thailand Open.
Key Successes: Known for his quick reflexes and strategic play in men’s doubles.
Ongoing Impact: Continues to bring energy and skill to the court, making significant contributions to men’s doubles.
These are the top 10 Indian badminton players who have all brought laurels to the country have not only brought glory to the nation but have also inspired millions with their dedication and passion for the sport.
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FAQs
PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth, Pullela Gopichand, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (doubles) are few of the top Indian badminton players.
Saina Nehwal, Prakash Padukone, PV Sindhu are some of the famous Indian badminton players.
PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, H.S. Prannoy, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (doubles) all qualified for Olympics 2024.
