Heartbreak for Indian Doubles Team at Paris Olympics

In a gripping match at the Paris Olympics, Indian badminton stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty faced a tough defeat in the men’s doubles quarterfinals. The duo, currently ranked No. 5, battled hard against Malaysia’s Aaron Chia and Soh Wool Yik, who possess a higher rank of No. 3.

The match kicked off with both pairs displaying elite skills. The Indian team started strong, even leading 21-13 in the first game. It looked like they had the momentum on their side, showcasing impressive drops and powerful smashes that kept their competitors on their toes.

However, the second game saw a shift as the Malaysians regrouped, forcing the Indian players into making critical errors. The game ended 21-14 in favor of Chia and Yik, bringing the match to a deciding third game.

The final game was a nail-biter, with both sides trading points closely. After being tied at 9-9, the Indians surged ahead to a 14-11 lead. But just when victory seemed within grasp, the Malaysian duo raised their game to another level. The Indians struggled to maintain their earlier rhythm, resulting in a heartbreaking final score of 21-16.

“It was a close contest,» Chirag Shetty reflected after the match. «We were leading at crucial points, but we gave away some easy points that cost us the game.» His partner, Satwiksairaj, echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the pressure their opponents applied towards the end.

In another match, Lakshya Sen advanced to the men’s singles quarterfinals after facing off against compatriot HS Prannoy. Unfortunately for Prannoy, he was not at his best, having recently recovered from a bout of chikungunya. Lakshya capitalized on the opportunity, winning decisively with scores of 21-12 and 21-5.

The match marked a tough moment for Prannoy, who, after the defeat, was visibly emotional as he reflected on his performance. Lakshya stood nearby, sharing in the intensity of the moment as Prannoy shed tears over what could have been a different outcome.