India's Young Shuttlers Build Success on Defense Over Power

Young Indian badminton players are building their game on strong defense rather than early power hitting, following the style of former Japanese champion Kento Momota. World Junior Championships bronze medallist Jagsher Singh Khangurra and Youth Olympics-bound Dev Ruparelia focus on retrieving shots to frustrate opponents who grow restless when they fail to finish rallies quickly.

Training Methods

Lacking the physical strength and height of tall players like Ayush Shetty during their early years, these young athletes rely on a safe defensive approach. Ruparelia explains that his main plan is to hit a good length and wear out the opponent's patience. His coach Sagar Chopda notes that Khangurra will eventually need to build a powerful smash as he gains strength, pointing out that even defensive star Kodai Naraoka has started adding attacks to his game. Meanwhile, Ruparelia recently won two titles and reached a quarter-final during a four-week tournament circuit in Europe, backed by training that emphasizes pushes, lifts, and half smashes.

Background

Ruparelia started out playing carrom in Mumbai before switching to badminton after a heavy defeat in a local tournament. He met Khangurra in the period following the COVID-19 lockdown, and the two friends bonded over their shared defensive style of play. Experts suggest this ultra-defensive strategy might help players benefit from the upcoming 15-point game format arriving in January, which rewards competitors who stay sturdy and force attackers into making mistakes.

Context

Young athletes in individual sports often adapt their playing styles based on the dominant international champions of their formative years. While pure defense helps juniors win matches through consistency, developing a powerful attacking shot remains a vital step for success at the senior international level.