Japan Open 2025: Lakshya Sen, Satwik-Chirag eliminated in Round of 16 clash-OxBig News Network

It was a disappointing day for Indian badminton at the Japan Super 750 tournament on Thursday, July 17, as two of the country’s top contenders—Lakshya Sen and the men’s doubles duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty—crashed out in the Round of 16.

Both matches ended in straight-set defeats, with neither Indian challenge lasting just under an hour each. Sen went down 19-21, 11-21 to Japan’s Kodai Naraoka, while the Satwik-Chirag pair lost 22-24, 14-21 to the Chinese duo of Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang.

Sen, who was India’s best chance at securing a medal for the Paris Olympics, started well and pushed Naraoka in a competitive first game. But the Japanese shuttler raised his level in the second, taking control of the rallies and outplaying Sen, who struggled to find rhythm and consistency.

The men’s doubles pair faced a similar fate. Despite a sluggish start, Satwik and Chirag managed to stay competitive in the first game, saving multiple game points before narrowly losing 22-24. However, the Chinese pair dominated the second game with greater control and intensity, keeping the Indians on the back foot throughout.

With these losses, India’s campaign has taken a major hit. Several key names, including HS Prannoy and PV Sindhu, had already exited the tournament earlier in the week. The spotlight now shifts to Anupama Upadhyaya, who remains India’s only remaining contender. She is set to face China’s Wang Zhi Yi in her women’s singles Round of 16 match.

The overall performance of the Indian contingent in Japan has been underwhelming. The form of some of India’s top players is beginning to raise concerns. There’s no shortage of talent in the squad, but the inability to close out crucial points and sustain intensity over longer matches continues to be a recurring issue.

As the tour moves ahead, Indian shuttlers will look to regroup quickly and find momentum in the upcoming tournaments.

– Ends