At Rio 2016: Three Indian badminton stars to look out for

For many of us, the most identifiable Indian woman badminton player is Saina Nehwal. But this year at the Olympics, there are others too who will be looking to shine. Here are three more players to look out for, who have performed consistently on the world stage over the years:

P.V. Sindhu - Debutant to the Olympics,  P.V. Sindhu is the second women’s singles player to qualify from India. And when she gets her aggressive game going, she is as dangerous as Saina Nehwal. The 21-year-old from Hyderabad made her case for a Rio ticket strong with bagging the world championships bronze medal in 2013 and 2014. The ninth seed is also an Arjuna Awardee  and her fine footwork may just give her the edge this year.

Adapting to conditions will be key for PV Sindhu ( Picture Credit: Indiatimes.com)

Also read: Seven things to know about Chhattisgarh’s first woman Olympian

Jwala Gutta – The ace Badminton player is considered to be one of the best women’s Doubles Badminton Players India has ever produced. Gutta is currently ranked 22nd in the women’s doubles category, and has been playing for India for more than a decade. This year  Jwala has qualified for  two events at the Olympics — Women's Doubles with Ashwini Ponnappa and Mixed Doubles with V Diju, much like the her last outing at the 2012 Olympics. A gold and silver winner at the Commonwealth Games in Doubles, her game will definitely be worth watching.

Fifteen years of playing for India: Jwala Gutta

Also read: Five things that make Olympic qualifier Dipa Karmakar a champion .

Ashwini Ponnappa –  26-year-old Ponnappa is a champion in both the women’s and mixed doubles disciplines. She makes a great team  with Jwala Gutta.The Bangalore-born shuttler hit the highest ranking spot of number 10 in women’s doubles category in 2015 while currently the pair are ranked 14.  Ashwini won the gold medal in Women’s Doubles event pairing with Jwala Gutta In the 2010 Commonwealth Games. If she plays to her strengths along with her doubles teammate, India will definitely make a mark at the Games.

Looking towards a medal in the doubles: Ashwini Ponnappa ( Picture Credit:Sportskeeda)

Read more from our Rio series here and more

Read More Stories By Ria Das

Feature Image Credit: Indianexpress.com