With Paris Olympics drawing nearer, India's star duo of Satwik and Chirag are gearing up for the big event very strategically.
2024 is going to be a very crucial year for athletes around the world due to the Paris Olympics. Naturally, the star Indian badminton duo of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy are gearing up to secure a coveted gold medal in the same. To achieve this goal, the former World. No 1 pair stressed the need to select tournaments wisely to ensure top-notch performance.
Satwik and Chirag had an unforgettable journey in this year’s badminton roster. The duo managed to become the first Indian doubles pair to win a gold medal in the Asian Games. Moreover, they also become the first doubles pair to clinch the World No. 1.
To keep their main focus on the main calendar events, the duo have decided to keep their schedule pretty relaxed. Satwik and Chirag believe that avoiding playing around three or four successive tournaments will help them maintain peak form as they get ready for the Paris Olympics. The 16 top pairs vying for gold with no clear favourites among them makes it a cut-throat event, and the duo are well aware of the challenges.
In a recent interview to the Times of India, Chirag quoted, “Our main aim is to give our best in the competitions that we decide to compete in and ensure that we do not play a lot of tournaments. We want to decide on the events accordingly. We do not want to play 3-4 back-to-back tournament.”
On the other hand, understanding the gravity of the calendar year 2024, Satwik remarked, “Olympics are different compared to other tournaments. It is not easy. The feeling is also different compared to tournaments like the Super Series. At the Olympics, there are no favourites. It is about 16 top pairs, and every team will give it its all. There will be no easy matches, it is going to be tough.”
The Indian duo secured their first-ever Super 1000 title at the Indonesia Open. Given their success, they are not only determined to win gold at the Olympics but are also aiming for glory at the All-England Open in March next year.
As 2023 draws to a close, Satwik and Chirag are ready to welcome new challenges with open arms. Emphasizing the importance of staying fresh and fit for the Olympics, the 26-year-old Chirag said via the TOI. The duo aim to secure Paris Olympics qualification, being one of the two maximum pairings permitted from each country. Currently ranked fifth when it comes to the race for the Paris Olympics, Satwik and Chirag are keen to retain or improve rankings as the top eight will make it to the showpiece event.
As the final months of Paris Olympics draws nearer, the Paris Olympics qualification will be one of the main focus of the duo. Currently ranked fifth in the Olympics race, topping the qualification race will see a direct ticket to Paris.
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