With two women shuttlers in the top 10 and eight men’s players in the top 50 of the world rankings, India have a battery of talent to change the landscape at the top level.
Saina Nehwal, who began the challenge of China’s dominance now has young P.V. Sindhu in tow, who recently beat two Chinese in the World Championships.
Men’s world no. 1 Lee Chong Wei is immensely impressed by the depth of talent and believes India will soon produce a top-ranked player.
“China are now scared. There are so many Indian players and all are doing very well. India can produce a world no. 1,” said Lee, who will debut for the Mumbai Masters in the Indian Badminton League on Tuesday.
The Malaysian superstar, who has been ranked number one for a whopping 199 weeks, praised the IBL and said it was better than the China League. “There is a lot of difference between the two. I have played in the China League twice and it runs for six months. The IBL is only for three weeks and I think it is better.”
Lee, who will play his first match against Krissh Delhi Smashers, said he was disappointed to miss two ties.
“After the Worlds, I had cramps in my body and I had to recover at any cost. I had to finish my events and then discussed it with my CEO and big boss,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Masters’ senior player Tine Baun admitted that it was difficult for her to find rhythm post retirement.
“It is very difficult to come back to the top level badminton. I am short on match practice but am getting better with each match,” she said.