Prannoy, Lakshya Lead Indian Challenge at Kumamoto Masters Japan

Indian badminton stars HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen will headline the country’s campaign at the USD 475,000 Kumamoto Masters Japan Super 500 tournament beginning Tuesday, as both look to rediscover their best form amid a testing phase.

Lakshya, who endured a lean spell earlier this season, has shown glimpses of a strong comeback in recent weeks. The 24-year-old from Almora reached the Hong Kong Open final before making successive quarterfinal appearances at the Denmark and Hylo Opens. Seeded seventh in Kumamoto, Lakshya faces an early test against Japan’s world No. 25 Koki Watanabe in the opening round. The Olympic semifinalist, who finished fourth at the Paris Games, will look to extend his resurgence and solidify his position among the top contenders.

For Prannoy, the tournament marks another step in his recovery from an injury-hit season. The 2023 World Championships bronze medallist has struggled for rhythm since a pre-Olympic bout of chikungunya affected his training and fitness. The 33-year-old Kerala shuttler, known for his gritty performances and consistency, has been on the sidelines since retiring mid-match at the Korea Open in September after clutching his ribs during a rally.

With titles such as the 2023 Malaysia Masters and a runner-up finish at the Australian Open highlighting his pedigree, Prannoy will be eager to regain full form when he opens against Malaysia’s Jun Hao Leong.

The emerging generation of Indian shuttlers will also be in focus in Japan. Rising star Ayush Shetty, the US Open champion who caused a stir by defeating former world champion Loh Kean Yew en route to the Hylo Open quarterfinals, faces a daunting opener against top seed Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand.

Another promising youngster, Tharun Mannepalli, who reached the semifinals of the Macau Open Super 300, will take on Korea’s Jeon Hyeok Jin in the first round. Kiran George, coming off an impressive Hylo Open run where he stunned France’s Toma Junior Popov, begins his campaign against a qualifier.

In mixed doubles, the Indian pair of Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde will square off against the American duo Presley Smith and Jennie Gai.

While the tournament lacks Indian representation in women’s singles and doubles events, the focus will firmly rest on the men’s singles contingent — both the experienced duo and the fresh faces aiming to make a mark on the Super 500 stage.