Sankar Subramanian Muthusamy, a rising star in Indian badminton, embodies the spirit of perseverance and ambition. At just 21, he has already made waves in the sport, transitioning from a celebrated junior player—where he held the title of world No. 1—to a formidable contender on the senior circuit. His journey took a significant turn in 2022 when he clinched a silver medal at the World Junior Championships in Spain, a milestone that set the stage for his future endeavors.

In 2023, Sankar’s determination bore fruit as he won the Luxembourg Open, marking his first senior title. However, 2024 proved challenging, with many tournaments ending in early exits. Yet, Sankar’s resolve remained unshaken. This year, he has shown remarkable improvement, reaching the quarter-finals of both the Thailand Masters and the Swiss Open, where he achieved a career-defining victory over world No. 2 Anders Antonsen. “My training is paying off,” he reflects, acknowledging the rigorous preparation that has sharpened his skills.

Sankar’s approach to the game is both strategic and introspective. He recognizes the need to enhance his attacking play while maintaining his defensive strengths. Currently training under renowned coach Harry Hartono in Indonesia, he is committed to breaking into the top 32 of the BWF rankings. With aspirations to compete in Super 1000 tournaments, Sankar’s journey is just beginning, and his story is one of relentless pursuit and growth in the world of badminton.