Former national badminton coach
India’s badminton program has seen significant growth, highlighted by the historic men’s doubles gold, a men’s team silver, and a singles bronze secured at the 2023 Hangzhou Games. According to Vimal, who currently serves as the lead coach at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, the current Indian roster possesses the depth and skill to replicate or even improve upon those results, provided they can execute under pressure.
Focus on Singles Consistency and Fitness
The campaign, which begins with the team event on September 20 followed by individual competitions on September 25, will rely heavily on the opening singles matches. Vimal highlighted the importance of
Regarding Lakshya Sen, who is currently ranked 14th globally, Vimal addressed concerns over his recent early exits in tournaments like the World Championships. The coach revealed that a persistent back issue had hindered the player’s performance over the last month. However, recent training sessions indicate a positive recovery, and the team is banking on his ability to find rhythm through match play to provide a vital start for India.
Navigating an Open Field and New Formats
Vimal noted that the landscape of men’s singles badminton has become increasingly competitive, with roughly 25 to 30 players currently operating at a similar level. This parity means that consistency during the tournament week will be the deciding factor for success. He pointed to the challenges faced by top players, including China’s Shi Yuqi, as evidence that the field is wide open for those who can maintain their composure.
Looking ahead, the squad will also need to adapt to a new 15-point, best-of-three-games format. Vimal emphasized that this shift will place a premium on speed, reflexes, and error-free play. As the players prepare for this transition, the coach stressed that the ability to adapt quickly will be crucial, especially with the looming pressure of Olympic qualification cycles. For now, the immediate goal remains clear: the Indian contingent must translate their training and potential into tangible results in Aichi-Nagoya.
