Bangkok/New Delhi : India’s badminton contingent delivered strong performances at the BWF Thailand Open Super 500, while former hockey captain PR Sreejesh publicly criticised Hockey India’s coaching decisions, stirring debate in the national hockey community.
Srikanth, Sindhu and Lakshya Storm into Second Round
The second round of the USD 500,000 Thailand Open saw Indian shuttlers produce commanding victories in Bangkok on Wednesday.
P.V. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist and sixth seed, began her campaign with authority, defeating Chinese Taipei’s Tung Ciou-Tong 21-9, 21-12 in just over half an hour. Sindhu’s aggressive play and precise shot-making set the tone for her second-round clash against Denmark’s Amalie Schulz.
Kidambi Srikanth, the former world No. 1, continued his resurgence by stunning eighth seed Loh Kean Yew of Singapore 21-14, 21-15 in 30 minutes. Srikanth’s straight-games victory ensures a clash with Chinese Taipei’s Su Li Yang in the round of 16.
Seventh seed Lakshya Sen also advanced, overcoming Singapore’s Jia Heng Jason Teh 21-16, 21-17 to seal his spot in the second round. Sen, returning from injury sustained at the Thomas Cup, lies in fine form.
Beyond the headline trio, Devika Sihag impressed with a 21-19, 13-21, 21-15 win against Japan’s Natsuki Nidaira, while Malvika Bansod prevailed in her three-game encounter. Some Indian players, however, including Ayush Shetty and Tanvi Sharma, bowed out after hard-fought contests.
PR Sreejesh Blasts Hockey India Over Coaching Snub
In New Delhi, two-time Olympic medallist PR Sreejesh took aim at Hockey India’s preference for foreign coaches, asserting that his tenure as the junior men’s team coach was abruptly ended to make room for overseas coaching staff. Sreejesh questioned whether Indian coaches are being given a fair opportunity to develop the sport at the highest level.
Sreejesh’s remarks have ignited conversation across the hockey community, highlighting ongoing tensions around coaching appointments and development pathways for domestic coaching talent.
Hockey India has responded to the allegations by stating that Sreejesh was not “fired”, but that his contract had simply concluded. The federation emphasised its appreciation for Sreejesh’s contributions to Indian hockey.
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