Asian Games 2023: Kidambi Srikanth, Satwik-Chirag reach Round of 16 in men's badminton, Kapila-Ajun retire

Indian men's badminton players started their individual campaigns a day after winning silver in the team event. India players, who come in with great expectations in the Asian Games started well on Monday, 3 September.

Kidambi Srikanth, one of India's top 3 singles players, defeated Vietnam's Phat Duc Le in a straight set in a game that lasted 29 minutes. Srikanth won the first set 21-10, 21-9, a day after losing his singles match in the men's final.

In the men's doubles category, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty continued their domination in the event winning their Round of 32 match. Sat-Chi



smashed their opposition 21-11, 21-16 in just 34 minutes to move to the next round of the tournament. India's final win in the day came via the mixed doubles team of Sai Pratjeek and Tanisha Castro. The duo won in straight sets against Macao's Chong Leong and Chi Weng.

The Indian badminton contingent has been troubled with injuries. HS Prannoy and MR Arjun had to pull out of the men's final event. MR Arjun arrived to play on Monday but had to pull out of the competition in the very first game of the match. India's second retirement came in the mixed doubles event where Rohan Kapoor and Sikki Reddy were not able to complete their first game.