National Under-17 champion Gnana Dattu T will lead India’s 17-member badminton squad at the prestigious Dutch Junior International and German Junior International tournaments scheduled for February and March this year. The squad features several rising stars, including junior world number six Raunak Chouhan, promising singles player Adarshini Shri, and doubles specialists Bhavya Chhabra and Param Chaudhary.
With India’s young shuttlers preparing to take on some of the best junior players from around the world, expectations are high for strong performances in Haarlem, Netherlands (February 26 – March 2) and Mulheim an der Ruhr, Germany (March 5-9).
India’s 17-Member Squad for Dutch and German Junior International
The Indian squad features four boys’ singles players, four girls’ singles players, two boys’ doubles pairs, two girls’ doubles pairs, and two mixed doubles pairs. The full squad is as follows:
Boys’ Singles
- Raunak Chouhan (Junior World No. 6)
- Gnana Dattu T T (National U-17 Champion)
- Suryaksh Rawat
- Pranauv Ram N
Girls’ Singles
- Adarshini Shri
- Tanoo Chandra
- Rujula Ramu
- Tanvi Reddy Andluri
Boys’ Doubles
- Bhavya Chhabra / Param Chaudhary
- Mithilesh P K / Vishnu Kedar Kode
Girls’ Doubles
- Pragati Parida / Vishakha Toppo
- Anaya Bisht / Angel Punera
Mixed Doubles
- Bhavya Chhabra / Angel Punera
- Lairamsanga C / Vishakha Toppo
This talented squad was selected based on the Badminton Association of India (BAI) selection committee’s guidelines. Direct qualification was granted to winners of the All India Junior Ranking Tournament (U-19) in Hyderabad, while the remaining spots were filled through selection trials held in New Delhi. These trials featured top-ranked players and semifinalists from the Hyderabad tournament.
India’s Legacy at the Dutch and German Junior Tournaments
India has a strong history at these tournaments, with young shuttlers making their mark in past editions. Notably:
- Surya Charisma Tamiri won the girls’ singles bronze medal at the 2024 German Junior.
- Ayush Shetty clinched the boys’ singles bronze medal at the 2023 German Junior and later went on to secure a bronze at the World Junior Championships the same year.
- RMV Gurusai Dutt remains the only Indian boys’ singles player to win gold at the Dutch Junior International (2008). That same year, he also won gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games and a bronze at the World Junior Championships.
Given the talent in this year’s squad, India will be looking to add to this list of achievements.
Key Players to Watch in the Indian Squad
1. Gnana Dattu T T (Boys’ Singles – National U-17 Champion)
The rising star of Indian badminton, Gnana Dattu T T, has been making headlines with his performances in domestic tournaments. After being crowned U-17 national champion, he will now look to test himself against international competition. With his aggressive gameplay and ability to handle high-pressure situations, he will be one of India’s key players in the singles category.
2. Raunak Chouhan (Boys’ Singles – Junior World No. 6)
Raunak Chouhan, ranked No. 6 in the junior world rankings, is another top contender for India. Having consistently performed at the junior level, he will be aiming to secure a podium finish at both events. His experience and exposure to high-quality badminton will be an advantage as he takes on tough opponents from Asia and Europe.
3. Adarshini Shri (Girls’ Singles)
Adarshini Shri is another highly talented player in the Indian squad. Having impressed in junior circuits, she will be one of India’s best hopes for a deep run in the tournament. Known for her quick reflexes and strong net play, she will be eager to leave a mark in the upcoming events.
4. Bhavya Chhabra & Param Chaudhary (Boys’ Doubles)
India’s doubles contingent is also packed with potential. The pair of Bhavya Chhabra and Param Chaudhary has shown promise at the domestic level and will now be looking to make an impact on the international stage. Their ability to coordinate well and execute attacking play will be crucial in India’s doubles campaign.
5. Pragati Parida & Vishakha Toppo (Girls’ Doubles)
The girls’ doubles combination of Pragati Parida and Vishakha Toppo will also be one to watch. Having trained together extensively, they have developed good chemistry and will aim to challenge the top-seeded pairs in both tournaments.
Challenges and Expectations for Team India
While India is sending a strong squad, the competition will be intense. Players from Indonesia, Malaysia, Denmark, Japan, and China traditionally dominate these tournaments. The Indian contingent will have to bring their A-game to match the quality of opposition.
Some key challenges for the Indian team include:
- Adapting to European conditions: Playing in Haarlem and Mulheim presents different challenges compared to Indian courts, including slower shuttles and colder climates.
- Competing against well-trained opponents: Many European and Asian players undergo high-intensity training regimes, and India’s youngsters must be prepared to face them.
- Maintaining fitness across two consecutive tournaments: The back-to-back schedule means players must manage their workload carefully to avoid fatigue.
Despite these hurdles, the team is well-prepared and has been training rigorously for the past few months. With players like Raunak Chouhan and Gnana Dattu leading the charge, India will be hopeful of strong performances.
What’s at Stake?
These two tournaments are among the most prestigious in the junior badminton circuit and serve as stepping stones to greater success. A strong performance here can:
- Boost world junior rankings and improve the chances of qualifying for top-tier tournaments.
- Provide exposure against elite junior players from across the globe.
- Set the foundation for future international success, as seen in the cases of Ayush Shetty and RMV Gurusai Dutt.
With the Paris 2024 Olympics approaching, India is also building a pipeline of young players who can transition to senior-level badminton in the coming years. Success at the Dutch and German Junior tournaments could be a major confidence booster for the young stars aiming for international stardom.
Final Thoughts
India’s 17-member junior badminton squad is set for an exciting challenge at the Dutch Junior International (Feb 26 – Mar 2) and German Junior International (Mar 5-9). With top-ranked players like Raunak Chouhan, national U-17 champion Gnana Dattu, and doubles specialists Bhavya Chhabra and Param Chaudhary, India will be aiming for podium finishes in both tournaments.
Given India’s rich history in these events, all eyes will be on whether this next generation of shuttlers can follow in the footsteps of their predecessors and bring home medals.With just weeks to go before the tournaments, the Indian team is gearing up for an intense test—one that could define the future of junior badminton in the country.
