Jodhpur’s Sanskar Saraswat Shatters Badminton Norms with Guwahati Super 100 victory
A long-held belief that India’s vast population would inevitably translate into a surge of elite badminton players has, until recently, fallen short of expectations when compared to powerhouse nations like China.However, the recent triumph of Sanskar Saraswat, a 19-year-old from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is challenging that narrative and signaling a potential shift in the landscape of Indian badminton. Saraswat clinched victory at the Guwahati super 100 tournament last month, a feat achieved while training at the National Center.
The story of Saraswat’s success is particularly compelling given Jodhpur’s previously unknown status as a breeding ground for top-tier shuttlers.His win represents not just a personal achievement, but a potential turning point for the sport in Rajasthan and beyond. Standing at 6-ft-2, Saraswat’s physical presence on the court is undeniable, but his journey is rooted in a family history steeped in athletic dedication.
Saraswat’s father, Raj Saraswat, initially a cricketer, discovered a passion for badminton after observing friends playing on the cement courts of Old Bijlighar following their Class 12 exams. “I learnt everything about badminton on that cement floor, and lost both my knees,” he recounted with a laugh, detailing his rapid ascent from a novice player to a dedicated coach. “My inspiration was from watching seniors play,” Raj recalled. He fondly remembered a satellite tournament in jaipur where Lee Chong Wei, in his early career, quickly became a favorite player.
Following Sanskar’s serious commitment to the sport, Raj transitioned to full-time coaching, while his wife balanced the responsibilities of running the household with her profession as a medical officer. Despite this dedication, Sanskar was initially unaware of Rajasthan’s lack of prominence as a badminton hub, a testament to his father’s immersive coaching approach. “My strokes just got very sharp because of my father’s attention to technique and knowledge of badminton related-fitness. I would repeat strokes 500-600 times from the same corner,” Sanskar shared.
Saraswat’s playing style is characterized by aggressive intent, though experience at higher levels has tempered this approach, forcing him to develop a greater capacity for longer rallies. “At the international level, 70-80 % of the time, rallies get longer. So I had to learn to play long rallies. But I know how to create my shuttle (build towards a kill),” he explained.
At the Guwahati Super 100,Saraswat demonstrated his growing maturity by defeating former national champion Mithun Manjunath,a challenging opponent.He showcased a refined ability to control rallies from the net and strategically disperse shuttles to disrupt his senior competitor.”I was a little worried as I hadn’t won any medal the whole year. But I trained well for 3 weeks, without a single off,” he admitted.
Among his most effective strokes is the forehand cross slice, but Saraswat has also been consistently improving his round-the-head smash, landing shots effectively on the lines.His height provides a meaningful advantage, allowing him to execute shots even when off-balance. Idolizing Lin Dan from a young age, Saraswat’s aggressive style is complemented by the strong fundamentals honed on a single court in Jodhpur.
While Saraswat’s offensive prowess is evident, he recognizes the need to strengthen his defensive game. Like all shuttlers, he prioritizes injury prevention, frequently visiting the Reliance facility in Mumbai for rehabilitation of his knees, ankles, and back. “I think he logs a lot of negatives (errors) and loses points in a bunch. But I don’t want to interfere with his coaching now, he’s doing well. If he can cut on errors and improve defense, he will do well,” Raj observed.
Since 2009, when Sanskar began his badminton journey, rajasthan has witnessed a proliferation of badminton academies.This growth, coupled with the inherent physicality of its athletes, suggests a promising future for the sport in the region. Saraswat’s success may well be the first of many triumphs for players emerging from Rajasthan, signaling a new era for Indian badminton.
