Badminton Asia Championships: Lakshya Sen, PV Sindhu eye medals as HS Prannoy pulls out

Lakshya Sen from Almora has been on a stellar run with title wins at the India Open Super 500 and final appearance at the German Open and All England Championships. 

Focus will be on two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and world championships bronze winner Lakshya Sen when they lead India’s challenge at the Badminton Asia Championships, beginning in Manila, Phillipines, on Tuesday (April 26). A lot of hope will ride on Sen and Sindhu as the duo has been in good form in the run-up to the continent championships, which is returning after a gap of two years due to COVID-19.

The prestigious event will, however, lose a bit of sheen with the withdrawal of an injured HS Prannoy, who had claimed a bronze at the 2018 Wuhan edition and is in good form. While Prannoy will miss out due to a ‘small injury’ sustained on way to his Swiss Open final finish, it will be a great opportunity for All England silver medallist Sen.

The 20-year-old from Almora has been on a stellar run with title wins at the India Open Super 500 and final appearance at the German Open and All England Championships. Sen had also won a bronze at the 2020 Asia team Championships, besides bagging a gold and bronze at the 2018 and 2016 Asian Junior Championships.

The fifth seeded Indian will be eagar to win a medal from the senior tournament but it will be easier said than done as he faces 22-year-old China’s Li Shi Feng, a two-time world junior championships gold medallist, in his opening round. All eyes will also be on former world champion fourth seed Sindhu, who had scooped a bronze from the 2014 Gimcheon edition and is coming into the event after securing two Super 300 titles at Syed Modi International and Swiss Open.

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