Sindhu, Saina, Marin and Srikanth to fight for $ 3,50,000 prized badminton battle in Delhi

KASHIF HASNAIN (PHOTO/VIDEO BY SAURABH SHRIVASTAVA)

New Delhi: The 9th edition of Dr Akhikesh Das Gupta India Open is going to start at the Siri Fort Sports Complex in Delhi from Tuesday, said Badminton Association of India (BAI).

Stalwart of world shuttlers, PV Sindu, Saina Nehwal, Kidambi Srikanth alongwith Olympic champion Carolina Marin will battle for the cup. The qualifiers round will begun from Tuesday.

The tournament has been played since 2011 in the memory of late president of Badminton Association of India, Dr Akhikesh Das Gupta who played a stellar role in popularising the game in the country.

Ace badminton player and champion of Olympic Carolina Marin who fashioned Hyderabad Hunters’ triumph in the premier Badminton League earlier this month, is keen to extend that showing to the Indian Open, “I love coming to India. This is one event that I am keen on winning.”

Following the event, Indian sensational badminton player PV Sindhu, currently ranked at World No 3, is hopeful of an encore.  She won the women’s single crown last session has received top billing for the tournament. Sindhu will begin her campaign, when the main draw begins on Thursday against Denmark’s Natalia Rohde and barring any surprises. Her real challenge will come when she head on with former world champion Ratchnok Intanon in the semi-finals.

“The Indian Open has always been a great place to be because of the support I get from the fans. As expected, people will have a lot of expectations to me, though, I will try to do my best.” Sindhu said.

While replying to a question over Khelo India Programme, Indian badminton coach and former player P Gopichand said, “It is a good move and we can only hope for better results.”

In the men’s section, top ranked Kidambi Srikanth will open his campaign against Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk while world number 10 HS Prannoy will face a qualifier in his opening match.

On that occasion, BAI, General Secretary Anup Narang said, “Ace badminton players of the world will participate the prestigious tournament and I hope that it will be go on become even bigger in the years to come.”