Prannoy, Sen & Ashwini motivate Indian juniors ahead of Worlds

India’s leading badminton stars, including former World Junior Championships medallists HS Prannoy and Lakshya Sen, along with Olympian and women’s doubles ace Ashwini Ponnappa, have sent out a special message to the Indian squad for the upcoming BWF World Junior Championships 2025, encouraging them to enjoy the experience and trust their preparation.

The prestigious event will take place in Guwahati from October 6 to 19, marking India’s return as hosts 17 years after Pune staged the tournament in 2008.

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“It’s probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent India at the World Juniors. It’s an opportunity for the juniors to play against the best in the world; this is the first stepping stone. From here, you know what to expect in the next couple of years, because next you’re getting into the senior level,” said Prannoy, a bronze medallist at the 2010 edition.

Highlighting that most of the Indian players had been training at the state-of-the-art NCE, Prannoy added that the squad would benefit from their familiarity with the conditions and should look to make the most of it.

Sen, who has also clinched bronze medals at both the junior and senior world championships, emphasised the importance of focus at this stage.

“It’s your home turf. It’s a great event to take advantage of the home support and conditions,” he said, noting that the players would have to remain committed amid heightened expectations.

Ashwini, a 2011 World Championships bronze medallist, urged the juniors to back the training they had undergone in the lead-up to the tournament. She reminded them that success would depend on giving their all.

“Trust the training process you have followed… and give your best to win as many medals for the country,” she said.

India has so far secured 11 medals in the history of the World Junior Championships, including one gold and four silver. The nation’s best outing came in 2008, when Saina Nehwal won gold and RMV Gurusai Dutt claimed bronze.

This time, India is eyeing a podium finish in the mixed team event for the first time, entering the tournament as the second seed, while also targeting strong performances in the paired events during the individual competition.