Last Update: January 17, 2023, 00:13 IST
Defending champion Lakshya Sen and former champion PV Sindhu, who feature in a strong 19-member Indian contingent, will be eager to showcase their skills in front of home fans after a gap of one year at Yonex-Sunrise. India Open 2023.
India Open, which is part of BWF World The Tour has been upgraded to the Super 750 category from this year and the world’s best players will compete for the coveted title at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall here from January 17 to 22.
Read this also India Open 2023: ‘Playing in front of fans gives you extra motivation’, says Lakshya Sen
Sen had won the title last year by defeating then world champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore in the final while Sindhu reached the semi-finals. The 2022 edition was played behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions and both Sen and Sindhu are excited at the prospect of a packed stadium supporting them.
“India Open has always been a special tournament for me as I get to play in front of my home crowd. Last time fans were not allowed but this time I am looking forward to playing with all the support in the stands.”
Sindhu will open her challenge against Thailand’s Supanida Katethong, against whom she had lost at the last-four stage last year. The Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist admitted that the Thai left-hander was a cheater but expressed confidence that she can take on the challenge comfortably.
“Yes, I lost to him last time but I have beaten him since then. I have also worked on some new things and you will see those changes in the tournament.”
While Sindhu is counting on the home crowd to propel her forward, Sen has the added pressure of being the defending champion and knows that the level of competition has only added another dimension to her title defence.
But to his credit, Sen showed he has a very mature head on his shoulders when he said he could not afford to think too much about the fate of the draw and treated the opening round as any other match. . My ultimate objective is to defend my title. But I am going to take it one match at a time.
“Me and Prannoy have played many times in the last year. But most of these matches were in the quarterfinal stage. But this time we are playing back-to-back first round matches and I need to take it like any other match.”
“I am delighted and proud that the Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2023 is now a 750-category event with prize money of USD 850,000 and is one of the premier Super Series tournaments held globally. This year marks our 18th consecutive tournament as official title and equipment sponsors. The status and importance of the India Open has grown manifold in nearly two decades. We are fully committed and involved in promoting this tournament with Badminton Association of India and also as title sponsors,” said Vikram Dhar, Managing Director, Sunrise Play India Private Limited
Hosts India’s hopes will rest on a 19-man squad led by former world champion PV Sindhu. 8 Men’s singles player HS Prannoy and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and men’s doubles pair of Chirag Shetty.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)