Lucknow: The Syed Modi International Badminton Championship 2024 has proven to be a platform for India’s top shuttlers to shine, with PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen leading the charge. Both players are just one match away from claiming their first titles of the year, following stellar performances at the tournament held at the Babu Banarasi Das Badminton Academy in Lucknow.
Highlights of PV Sindhu vs. Unnati Hooda in the 2024 Syed Modi International semifinal:
PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medalist, has had a challenging season but seems determined to finish on a high. The 28-year-old showcased her dominance in the semifinals, defeating India’s rising star Unnati Hooda 21-12, 21-9 in just 36 minutes. Sindhu’s ability to control the pace of the game and leverage her experience was evident, as she outmaneuvered her younger opponent at every turn.
Unnati, only 17 years old and ranked 70th in the world, put up a spirited fight but couldn’t match Sindhu’s power and precision. Sindhu’s sharp net play, well-placed smashes, and court awareness made the difference in the high-stakes clash. Despite the loss, Unnati earned praise from Sindhu, who said, “She is a real talent and played well today. She will only grow from here.”
The World No. 18 Sindhu who also won the 2017 and 2022 Syed Modi title, will now face China’s Wu Luo Yu in the final. Wu, ranked 119th globally, pulled off a surprise win over Thailand’s Lalinrat Chaiwan in the semifinals, defeating her 21-19, 21-12.
In the men’s singles category, World No. 14 Lakshya Sen continues to dominate. The 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist and 2021 World Championship bronze medalist cruised past Japan’s Shogo Ogawa in the semifinals with a commanding 21-8, 21-14 victory. Sen’s aggressive playstyle and tactical brilliance were on full display, as he outclassed his opponent in just 42 minutes.
Lakshya’s final opponent will be Singapore’s Jason Teh Jia Heng, who defeated India’s Priyanshu Rajawat 21-13, 21-19 in the other semifinal. Jason Teh, the fourth seed, has been in fine form throughout the tournament, but he faces a daunting task against Sen, who holds a 2-0 head-to-head record against him.
Lakshya’s focus will be on maintaining his momentum and claiming his first Syed Modi title. A win would cement his status as one of India’s top shuttlers and set the tone for what could be a breakthrough 2025 season.
The Indian team also delivered strong performances at the Syed Modi International. In women’s doubles, the second-seeded pair of Trisha Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand Pullela defeated Thailand’s Benyapa Amsaard and Nuntakarn Amsaard in a thrilling three-game match. The Indian duo won 18-21, 21-18, 21-10 in 63 minutes, showcasing their resilience and teamwork.
Trisha and Gayatri, who have already qualified for the BWF World Tour Finals, are now aiming to become the first Indian women’s doubles champions at the Syed Modi Championship. Their final opponents will be Bao Li Jing/Li Qian of China.
India also has representatives in both the men’s doubles and mixed doubles finals.
In the men’s doubles final, Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy/Sai Pratheek. K of India will play Huang Di/Liu Yang of China while Dhruv Kapila/Tanisha Crasto will meet Dechapol Puavaranukroh/Supissara Paewsampran of Thailand in the mixed doubles final.
