By In a world full of cricket fans, some people love badminton. With almost 709 million fans around the world, badminton continues to be one of the most popular sports worldwide. The sport has emerged some of the best badminton players in India who became the global face soon after their debut. These badminton players have not only made their name internationally but also upheld the country’s reputation. Do not interpret the list of the best Indian badminton players with male names only: females have equally contributed to the nation’s prestige. The combination of agility, talent, rigorous training, dedication and mental resilience are some crucial attributes that make these players the best. Along with these, constant practice, strategies, techniques, and physical conditioning are required to beat the challenges and succeed in competitive badminton.
Now, discover the list of some of the best badminton players in India who have made their mark on several international stages. From the Olympics to the World Championship, these Indian badminton players have showcased their prowess and commitment to the sport.
Best Badminton Players In India: Male & Female
Unsurprisingly, badminton has become the third most followed sport among 28 sports in over 20 countries. Here are the best badminton players in India who made the sport popular among its fans.
Females Badminton Players In India
#1 PV Sindhu
PV Sindhu is the most popular badminton face. The 28-year-old woman from Hyderabad inspires upcoming generations. She started playing badminton at eight and has bagged several medals. PV Sindhu not only shines in her home country but has also earned a name internationally. She has received the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan.
Medals
- Silver Medal at the 2016 Olympics
- Bronze Medal at the 2020 Olympics
- Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals at the 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2019 World Championships
- Bronze, Silver & Gold Medals at the 2014, 2018 & 2022 Commonwealth Games
- Silver Medal at the 2018 Asian Games
- Bronze Medals at the 2014 & 2022 Asian Championships
- Silver Medal at the 2016 South Asian Games
#2 Saina Nehwal
Saina Nehwal is the esteemed name on the list of women badminton players in India. Who doesn’t know her? She is one of India’s most famous badminton players and is currently ranked among the world’s best players. In her career, she has been honoured with the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan Award.
Medals
- Bronze Medal at the London 2012 Olympics
- Silver Medal at the 2015 BWF World Championships
- Bronze Medal at the 2017 BWF World Championships
- Gold Medal at the 2010 & 2018 Commonwealth Games
- Bronze Medal at the 2018 Asian Games
- Bronze Medal at the 2010, 2016 & 2018 Asian Championships
- Silver Medal at the 2006 BWF World Junior Championships
- Gold Medal at the 2008 BWF World Junior Championships
#3 Ashmita Chaliha
Another name on the list of women badminton players in India is Ashmita Chaliha, who has also given the country several proud moments. The 24-year-old from Assam is currently securing 61st rank in the world. She started playing badminton at the age of seven and has earned several titles, making her the inspirational woman of India.
Medals
- Gold Medal at the 2019 South Asia Games
- Gold Medals at the 2018, 2018 & 2023 BWF International Challenges
#4 Tanya Hemanth
Tanya Hemanth (20) is another shining name among the best badminton players in India. The Bengaluru-based youngster currently ranks 69th in the world. She is an emerging player who still influences many aspiring players worldwide. Despite her age, she has achieved several medals and awards in her career.
Medals
- Gold Medal at the 202 & 2023 BWF International Challenge
- Gold Medal at the 2018 & 2019 BWF Junior International
#5 Samiya Imad Farooqui
Medals
- Gold Medal in Bulgarian International in 2021 BWF
- Gold Medal in Guatemala International in 2023 BWF
Male Badminton Players In The World
#6 HS Prannoy
HS Prannoy has been around for a while; today, he is one of the best badminton players in India. Coached by Pullela Gopichand, he is the finest badminton player and has added many feathers to his cap. His skills and tactics are unmatchable, making him rank among the best Indian male badminton players in the world.
Medals
- Bronze Medal at the 2023 World Championships
- Bronze Medal at the 2022 Asian Games
- Silver Medal at the 2016 South Asian Games
- Gold Medal at the 2023 BWF World Tour
#7 Prakash Padukone
There is nothing wrong with calling him the father of badminton. Prakash Padukone is a renowned face and one of the best badminton players in India. However, he is a former player who still holds significance among aspirations. In fact, he is not only in their home country but also among the Indian male badminton players with worldwide recognition. He has received the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri and is one of the co-founders of the Olympic Gold Quest. Moreover, he owns one of the best badminton academies in India, Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy.
Medals
- Bronze Medal at the 1983 World Championships
- Gold & Bronze Medals at the 1981 & 1980 World Cup
- Gold Medal at the 1978 Commonwealth Games
#8 Lakshya Sen
Among the youngest badminton players in India, Lakshya Sen is ranked 19th in the world. He is the most promising player and made his country proud several times. From Bronze to Gold, he received many medals in the most prestigious international tournaments, such as the World Championship and Commonwealth Games.
Medals
- Bronze Medal at the 2021 World Championship
- Gold Medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
- Silver Medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
#9 Srikanth Kidambi
If we talk about the best badminton players in India, Srikanth Kidambi is one name on the list. One of the finest Indian male badminton players, Srikanth Kidambi, has made his mark internationally. Coached by renowned leader Pullela Gopichand, he is currently ranked 25th in the world. Srikanth has represented the nation with distinction many times.
Medals
- Silver Medal at the 2021 World Championships
- Silver Medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games
- Bronze Medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
- Gold Medal at the 2016 South Asian Games
- Bronze Medal at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games
#10 Sankar Subramanian Muthusamy
The last name on the list of the best badminton players in India is SS Muthusamy. He is a well-recognised yet inspiring player known for his exceptional playing skills and unmatched strategies, which have made him one of the most prominent Indian male badminton players in the world.
Medals
- Silver Medal at the 2022 World Junior Championships
- Gold Medals at the 2023 BWF International Challenge
- Gold Medals at the 2021 & 2022 BWF Junior Internationals
Whether male or female, the best badminton players in India have left no stone unturned in setting themselves apart from others and achieving glory for the country. These are not only the players but the face of the country. Their dedication and hard work deserve respect and attention. Therefore, do not forget to remember them on special occasions like Sports Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best badminton racquet in India?
Yonex Astrox 88, Yonex Duora 10 and Victor Brave Sword 12 are a few best badminton racquets in India that are lightweight, durable and cost-effective.
Who is the first Indian women's badminton player to win the Olympics?
Saina Nehwal, a professional badminton player, won the first Gold medal in the country in 2010.
Who is known as the Golden Girl of Indian Badminton?
PV Sindhu, one of the finest badminton players in India, is known as the Golden Girl of India for her skills, unmatched tactics and achievements.
Who was the first woman to win Gold in badminton?
Susi Susanti from Indonesia is the first woman to win Gold for the country. Incidentally, it was also Indonesia's first-ever Olympic Gold.
