Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen, currently one of the top players in the men’s singles category, suffered a surprising defeat at the $475,000 Thailand Open Super 500 tournament on May 14, 2025. Despite his strong reputation, Lakshya’s early exit was a setback for Indian badminton fans, as he was unable to secure a spot in the second round. His defeat came as a shock, given his consistent performances in recent months, but he will look to bounce back in upcoming tournaments.
On a brighter note, the women’s singles category saw a surge in India’s representation with Malvika Bansod, Aakarshi Kashyap, and Unnati Hooda all advancing to the second round after displaying remarkable grit in their opening matches. Malvika Bansod, known for her aggressive playing style, secured a hard-earned victory to continue her progress in the tournament. Aakarshi Kashyap, with her solid defense and tactical play, also overcame her opponent in a closely contested match. Unnati Hooda, who has been making a name for herself on the international circuit, triumphed over her opponent in a tight battle, showcasing her promise for the future.
In the women’s doubles category, the World No. 10 duo of Tressa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, who have been consistently performing at the highest level, made a positive start to their Thailand Open campaign. They defeated Malaysia’s Ong XY and C Ting in straight sets, 21-15, 21-13, displaying excellent teamwork and communication on court. Their victory propels them into the second round, where they will aim to continue their impressive run in the tournament.
The performances of Bansod, Kashyap, Hooda, and the women’s doubles pair of Jolly and Gopichand add to India’s hopes in the ongoing Thailand Open, as these young players look to make an impact on the global stage and continue their rise in world rankings. With key players like Lakshya Sen and these emerging talents, Indian badminton fans are hopeful for strong results in the coming rounds of the tournament.