Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Paris 2024: Setback for India as PV Sindhu, Satwik-Chirag pair ousted

Lakshya Sen remains the only Indian still in the medal hunt after winning an all-Indian match against an unwell HS Prannoy.

Paris 2024: Setback for India as PV Sindhu, Satwik-Chirag pair ousted

INDIA’s badminton campaign at the Paris Olympics faced setbacks as medal contenders Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy exited in the quarter-finals, and PV Sindhu lost to China’s He Bing Jiao in the women’s singles pre-quarter-finals on Thursday.

Lakshya Sen remains the only Indian still in the medal hunt after winning an all-Indian match against an unwell HS Prannoy.


The third-seeded pair Chirag and Satwik, seen as strong medal prospects, led 14-11 in the deciding game but struggled with the service variations from world number three Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, leading to an unexpected exit. They lost 21-13, 14-21, 16-21.

“In the end, we gave away quite a few easy points. A few lucky ones for them, where we didn’t really expect those serves. They kept poking us slightly. Towards the end, there were a couple of points that hit the net cord and a few one-two errors (made the difference),” Chirag said.

Sindhu, aiming for her third Olympic medal, lost 19-21, 14-21 to China’s world number 9, Bing Jiao.

Sindhu struggled to maintain consistent performance while Bing Jiao controlled the match with steady attacks. Sindhu's frequent unforced errors proved costly.

Bing Jiao dominated early, quickly building an 8-3 lead as Sindhu took time to settle. Bing Jiao’s precise shots and court movement kept Sindhu on the defensive.

Sindhu fought back, levelling the score at 12-12 with improved cross-court shots. However, Bing Jiao's powerful smashes helped her regain control, with the score tied at 19-19 before Bing Jiao clinched the first game with a decisive smash.

In the second game, Bing Jiao capitalised on Sindhu's errors to build a 5-2 lead. Although Sindhu excelled in longer rallies, Bing Jiao's court coverage and accurate shots led to a 5-11 deficit for Sindhu. Bing Jiao extended her lead to 18-11, and despite Sindhu’s efforts, Bing Jiao sealed the match on her second match point as Sindhu's return went wide.

In the men’s doubles, Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik had defeated the Indian pair eight times before, but Thursday’s loss was particularly significant due to the Olympic stage.

Satwik and Chirag started strong but couldn't maintain their lead as the Malaysians adjusted their tactics.

Chirag reflected on their performance, saying, “We should have been a little more calm in those situations. Having said that, I think at 14-11, at a point or two, we got quite unlucky. Satwik touched the shuttle with his legs, which bounced off the net. And then he served through which was totally unexpected.”

Sen secured a comfortable 21-12, 21-6 win over Prannoy, who was recovering from Chikungunya and had limited preparation time. Prannoy acknowledged the challenge, saying, “I just had a week to prepare. My team pushed me so that I could compete. I knew it was going to be tough.”

Sen, the third male Indian player to reach the quarter-finals after Parupalli Kashyap (2012) and Kidambi Srikanth (2016), will face Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien Chen in the quarter-finals. Sen commented, “It will be a tricky match against Chou, I have to go and recover well and give my 100 per cent.”

(With inputs from PTI)

More For You

Hurricane Hemlatha takes chutney soca by storm with powerhouse performances

Hurricane Hemlatha Dindial

Hurricane Hemlatha takes chutney soca by storm with powerhouse performances

Born into a musical household, it was perhaps inevitable that Hurricane Hemlatha Dindial would pursue a career in singing.

The daughter of late music legend Basdeo Lappo Dindial and sister of acclaimed singer Rasika Dindial, she has carved out her own place as a versatile chutney soca artist – known for catchy songs and a commanding stage presence. Her electrifying live sets include a standout performance at this year’s Chutney Soca Monarch competition.

Keep ReadingShow less
Small daily steps to mental strength

Positive changes promote calm and clarity of the mind

Small daily steps to mental strength

In a fast-paced world fraught with stress, anxiety and unprecedented challenges, prioritising mental well-being has never been more important. Whether you are navigating personal struggles or supporting someone else, taking proactive steps can make a real difference. With mental health being an increasingly vital issue, Eastern Eye shares essential tips to help you feel better internally – and ways to support others who may be going through difficult times.

Exercise: Whether it is walking, yoga, dancing, playing a sport or going to the gym, find an activity you enjoy. Regular exercise supports both physical and mental well-being, as it releases endorphins – the body’s natural mood boosters – which help reduce anxiety and depression. It can also build self-confidence and provide opportunities to connect with others.

Keep ReadingShow less
Khloe Kardashian praises Shah Rukh Khan's

Khloe Kardashian praises Shah Rukh Khan's regal Met Gala look featuring his signature 'K' necklace

Getty Images

Khloe Kardashian can’t get over Shah Rukh Khan’s Met Gala debut

Shah Rukh Khan made his debut at the Met Gala 2025, creating a historic moment as the first male Bollywood actor to attend the prestigious event. His appearance caught the attention of many, including reality TV star Khloe Kardashian, who took to social media to express her admiration.

Khloe, who visited India in 2024 with her sister Kim Kardashian, recalled first learning about Shah Rukh during that trip. Reflecting on his Met Gala look, she posted on Snapchat, calling him 'King Khan' and sharing that she is particularly fond of his signature 'K' necklace. Khloe praised the Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, who crafted Shah Rukh’s outfit, talking about how the ensemble elegantly blended Indian cultural elements with global fashion influences.

Keep ReadingShow less
war and peace

A vivid depiction of the Kurukshetra battlefield, where Arjuna and Krishna stand amidst the chaos, embodying the eternal conflict between duty and morality

Artvee

War and Peace are two sides of the same coin

Nitin Mehta

War and peace have exercised the minds of human beings for as far back as history goes. It is no wonder then that the Mahabharata war, which took place over 5,000 years ago, became a moment of intense discussion between Lord Krishna and Arjuna.

Hundreds of thousands of people on either side were ready to begin battle on the site of Kurukshetra. Seeing the armies and his near and dear combatants, Arjuna lost the will to fight. How could he fight his grandfather Bhisma and his guru Dronacharya? He asked Krishna what all the bloodshed would achieve.

Keep ReadingShow less
 Mother’s Day

Though the religious and cultural significance of Mother’s Day differs from place to place

iStock

The global origins of Mother’s Day: From ancient rituals to modern tributes

Mother’s Day is celebrated worldwide as a time to honour mothers and maternal figures, but its origins span different cultures, centuries, and continents. What began as religious and cultural observances has evolved into one of the most widely recognised occasions across the globe.

Ancient roots

The earliest known celebrations of motherhood date back to ancient civilisations. The Greeks and Romans held festivals to honour mother goddesses such as Rhea and Cybele, often involving ceremonies, feasting, and offerings. These rituals recognised the power of motherhood and fertility, laying the foundation for later traditions.

Keep ReadingShow less