While most of India's elite badminton players gravitate towards the renowned academies in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Sathish Karunakaran, a double gold medallist at the National Games, is forging a unique path in Malaysia, aiming for excellence in both mixed doubles and singles.

National Games Triumph: Sathish Secures Dual Gold Medals in Mixed Doubles and Singles Events

Sathish began his gold medal spree by clinching the top spot in the mixed doubles event at the National Games alongside partner Aadya Variyath. Not content with just one accolade, he swiftly returned to the court at Dehradun's Parade Ground to dominate the men’s singles final, defeating promising young talent Suyaksh Rawat.

Breaking the Norm: Sathish’s Determination to Excel in Both Singles and Mixed Doubles

Competing at an elite level in both singles and doubles is a rare feat, but Sathish is resolute in embracing this challenge. As of last week, he held the 44th position in the BWF men’s singles rankings and 32nd in mixed doubles alongside Aadya.

Choosing Malaysia Over Traditional Indian Training Hubs for Unique Development Opportunities

Unlike his peers, Sathish sidestepped training at India's prominent academies, opting instead for Kuala Lumpur’s Asia Badminton Academy. Here, under the guidance of former Malaysian national team coach Jivanathan Nair, he and Aadya have been honing their skills for nearly a year.

The Influence of Coach Jivanathan Nair: A Mentor Who Believes in Dual Specialization

Jivanathan Nair, affectionately known as Coach Jiva, has been instrumental in Sathish's journey. He is one of the few coaches who support Sathish’s ambition to excel in both singles and mixed doubles, a rare combination in international badminton.

A Longstanding Connection: Sathish's Relationship with Malaysian Training Since 2018

Sathish’s bond with Malaysian badminton began in 2018 during what was intended to be a brief one-month camp. However, the training’s immediate impact on his performance extended his stay to four months, culminating in his qualification for the Junior World Championships.

Remote Guidance and a Return to Malaysia: Rekindling a Productive Training Partnership

After returning to India, Sathish maintained his training connection with Jivanathan through virtual sessions. The decision to return to Malaysia full-time came early last year, driven by the desire for higher-level sparring and personal growth.

Overcoming India’s Mixed Doubles Training Challenges with Malaysia’s Competitive Edge

One of the main hurdles in India’s mixed doubles scene is the lack of quality sparring partners. In contrast, Malaysia offers a rich pool of competitive players, making it an ideal environment for Sathish and Aadya to sharpen their skills.

Endurance and Sparring: The Key Benefits of Training in Malaysia’s Rigorous Environment

The intense fitness regimens in Malaysia have significantly boosted Sathish’s endurance. Additionally, regular sparring sessions with world-class players have elevated his game to new heights.

Training with the Best: Sparring Partners Include World-Ranked and Former Champions

Sathish and Aadya regularly train with top players, including the world No. 4 mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat and Shevon Jemie Lai, as well as Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin, winners of the India Open. Their sessions also include matches with former world No. 1s Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong.

Future Aspirations: Balancing a Packed Tournament Calendar with Continued Training

Despite a demanding tournament schedule, Sathish acknowledges the need for extended training periods to build strength and refine his game further.

Upcoming Competitions: Targeting Success at the Asian Championships, All England, and German Open

Currently ranked 33rd globally in mixed doubles, Sathish and Aadya aim to break into the top 20. They will represent India at the Asian Championships and compete in prestigious tournaments like the All England and German Open.

Maintaining a Dual Focus: Commitment to Both Singles and Mixed Doubles Excellence

While his recent successes have predominantly come in mixed doubles, Sathish remains steadfast in his identity as a singles player, striving to balance and excel in both disciplines.