Rising Stars in Indian Badminton: Sanskar Saraswat and Arsh Mohammad

A New Era for Badminton in India

Badminton has experienced a meteoric rise in India over the past two decades. The achievements of Saina Nehwal, who won a bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics, and PV Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, have inspired countless young athletes. Today, badminton is among the most popular sports in the country.

Ambitious Young Shuttlers

Two promising young talents who are making their mark in Indian badminton are 20-year-old Sanskar Saraswat from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and 18-year-old Arsh Mohammad from Banda, Uttar Pradesh. These emerging stars represent the next generation of players aiming to achieve greatness in the sport.

Sanskar Saraswat: A Focused Journey

Career Highlights and Transition to Senior Level

Sanskar Saraswat has shown exceptional skills in both singles and doubles gameplay. His consistent performances have been pivotal to his growing reputation in the Indian badminton circuit. In 2024, he clinched the senior national doubles title and earned a bronze medal at the senior nationals held in Vijayawada. His victory at the Guwahati Super 100 further underscores his upward trajectory.

Overcoming Challenges

Saraswat has demonstrated resilience in the face of setbacks, including injuries in 2025. “I never lost hope. I kept training and focusing on my mental preparation,” he said in an exclusive interview. His tactical strategies played a crucial role in his success at the Guwahati Super 100, particularly against international opponents.

Future Aspirations

Though he has achieved success in doubles, Sanskar emphasizes his focus on singles. “My main event is singles. I aim to break into the top 80 of the world rankings by 2026,” he shared. His grounded yet ambitious mindset—"Progress, even in small steps, is still progress"—continues to propel him forward.

Arsh Mohammad: A Journey of Transformation

Transitioning to Doubles

Arsh Mohammad’s journey has been anything but linear. Initially a singles player, he pivoted to doubles during the COVID-19 pandemic. His move to the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad has been a game-changer, providing him with the motivation of training alongside seasoned players like Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.

Breakthrough Performance

Arsh’s significant achievement came shortly after entering the senior circuit in 2024, when he won a gold medal in doubles at the senior nationals. However, his progress faced a major hurdle when he suffered a serious ACL injury. Despite this setback, he showcased his resilience by securing a bronze medal at the senior nationals in 2025 shortly after his recovery.

Aiming for Olympic Glory

Currently, Arsh is focused on improving his front-court game. His goal is clear: to break into the top 100 doubles players in the world by winning Super 100s and Challenge-level tournaments. Ultimately, his dream is to become an Olympic champion, motivated by a simple yet profound desire: “I just want to make my parents proud.”

Conclusion

Sanskar Saraswat and Arsh Mohammad are two names to watch as they continue to rise in the world of badminton. With their talent, determination, and supportive environments, they are well on their way to achieving remarkable feats in Indian sports.