In the world of Indian badminton, two names have risen to prominence in recent years, captivating the imagination of fans and rewriting the history books of men’s doubles badminton. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, aged 22 and 25 respectively, have emerged as a dynamic duo, creating waves of success and establishing themselves as the torchbearers of Indian badminton’s new era.

A Landmark Year: 2022

The year 2022 was nothing short of phenomenal for Rankireddy and Shetty. It was a year marked by historic victories, ground-breaking achievements, and a remarkable journey to becoming world-class athletes. One of the standout moments of their career came in the form of two World Tour titles—the prestigious Indian Open and the French Open. Winning these titles catapulted them into the international limelight and showcased their prowess on the world stage. These victories not only demonstrated their exceptional skills but also marked a significant milestone for Indian men’s doubles shuttlers.

Their gold medal triumph at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) was yet another watershed moment. The CWG gold not only cemented their status as champions but also underscored their ability to perform under immense pressure on the grandest stages. The pinnacle of their achievements in 2022 was, without a doubt, the bronze medal at the World Championships. This achievement was monumental as it was a historic first for Indian men’s doubles badminton. It demonstrated their tenacity, resilience, and the ability to compete against the best in the world.

While their individual successes were remarkable, Rankireddy and Shetty were also integral to a historic team victory. They were part of the Indian squad that clinched the Thomas Cup, India’s maiden title in the prestigious tournament. Their contribution to the team’s triumph cannot be overstated. In a thrilling final match, where victory seemed improbable, the duo displayed unwavering determination. Despite facing multiple match points down, they exhibited extraordinary resilience to secure a crucial win that ultimately propelled India to its first-ever Thomas Cup victory.

As a testament to their stellar performances, Rankireddy and Shetty finished the year at World No. 5 in the men’s doubles rankings, a career-best for the duo. This ranking not only reflects their individual talents but also their successful partnership and synergy on the court. What sets Rankireddy and Shetty apart is not just their impressive trophy haul but also their style of play. They bring an exhilarating brand of badminton to the court, characterized by explosive smashes, lightning-fast reflexes, and exceptional court coverage. Their synergy and communication on the court are unparalleled, making them a formidable force in men’s doubles.

Off the court, they have become inspirational figures for aspiring badminton players in India. Their journey from humble beginnings to global stardom serves as a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. With their incredible success in 2022, Rankireddy and Shetty have set their sights on the ultimate prize—the Olympics. They are gearing up for the Paris 2024 Olympics, where they aim to clinch the gold medal and etch their names in the annals of Indian badminton history. Their journey is far from over, and they are determined to continue breaking barriers and setting new standards in men’s doubles badminton. With youth on their side and an unrelenting drive for success, Rankireddy and Shetty are poised to achieve even greater heights in the years to come.

In the world of track and field athletics, where every fraction of a second counts, Avinash Sable is a name that has been making waves. At the age of 28, this Indian steeplechase athlete has already achieved remarkable feats, defying odds and setting new standards of excellence in the sport.

A Historic Victory at the Commonwealth Games:

One of the defining moments of Avinash Sable’s career came in August 2022 during the finals of the 3000m steeplechase event at the Commonwealth Games. With just 534 meters to go, Sable executed a remarkable surge, overtaking two Kenyan athletes at the final water jump. His determination and grit were on full display as he outpaced none other than Conseslus Kipruto, the defending Commonwealth champion and two-time world champion. In a historic turn of events, Avinash Sable clinched the silver medal in the steeplechase event. This achievement was significant not only because it marked a personal milestone for Sable but also because it broke a decades-long dominance by Kenyan athletes in the event. He became the first non-Kenyan athlete since 1994 to secure a silver medal in the steeplechase event.

The Journey of Grit and Determination:

Avinash Sable’s journey to this historic victory was anything but easy. Hailing from a humble background in the Indian state of Maharashtra, he faced numerous challenges along the way. From limited access to world-class training facilities to financial constraints, Sable’s path to success was laden with obstacles. However, what sets Sable apart is his unwavering determination. He possesses a steely resolve to overcome adversity and make his mark on the international stage. With sheer grit and the support of his coaches and mentors, he continued to hone his skills and push the boundaries of his capabilities.

Having tasted success at the Commonwealth Games, Avinash Sable has set his sights on an even grander stage – the 2024 Paris Olympics. His silver medal win served as a testament to his potential and his ability to compete with the best in the world. With rigorous training and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Sable is confident that he can secure a spot at the Paris Olympics and contend for the gold. Avinash Sable’s journey from a small village in Maharashtra to the international athletics arena serves as an inspiration to countless aspiring athletes across India and beyond. His story underscores the power of perseverance and the belief that talent, when nurtured and driven by unwavering determination, can lead to extraordinary achievements.

As he continues his rigorous training and preparations for the Paris Olympics, Sable remains a symbol of hope and possibility. He has shown that with the right mindset and unrelenting effort, dreams can indeed become a reality.

In Avinash Sable, India has found a track and field sensation who is rewriting the country’s athletics history. His historic silver medal win at the Commonwealth Games is a testament to his talent, determination, and resilience. As he embarks on his journey towards the 2024 Paris Olympics, the world will be watching, and the nation will be cheering for this remarkable athlete who has already achieved so much and promises even greater glory on the horizon. Avinash Sable is not just an athlete; he is a symbol of what can be achieved with unwavering dedication and a dream to reach the pinnacle of sports.

Sufiya Khan is a long-distance runner who holds several world records and is the first female runner to complete the journey from Manali to Leh. Sufiya began her ultra-marathon ‘Himalayan Ultra Run Expedition’ at 7.34 a.m. on September 25, 2021. She finished her marathon on October 1, 2021, travelling 480 kilometres in 156 hours in challenging terrain and harsh meteorological conditions, climbing up to 5328 metres in altitude and gaining 8200 metres in elevation.

She was born and raised in the city of Ajmer. She was raised by her single mother after her father died when she was 16 years old. Sufiya had never been a runner or a sports fan when she was younger. Sufiya earned a diploma in aviation after graduation and began working as a ground staff member at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Sufiya Khan had spent ten years as a ground handler at the Delhi airport. In 2019, she decided to leave her work in order to pursue her passion for running.

She began by running marathons and eventually ultramarathons. She claimed that running was an excellent way to see a new place while also spreading a message. She ran the Golden Triangle in 16 days in 2018, covering 720 kilometers between Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. The next year, she completed a 4,000-kilometer journey in 87 days, 2 hours, and 17 minutes from Srinagar, Kashmir, to Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.
She holds two Guinness World Records. She entered the Guinness Book Of World Records for the first time in 2019 when she became the quickest female runner along “The Indian Golden Quadrilateral Road.” Her next effort entails a round-the-world run. She wants to run around the world and circumnavigate it.