Satwiksairaj Rankireddy's Fanboy Moment with Rafael Nadal Ahead of Paris Olympics

Indian badminton star Satwiksairaj Rankireddy met Rafael Nadal in Paris ahead of the 2024 Olympics. India fields 112 athletes in 16 sports aiming to surpass their Tokyo 2020 medal tally. Satwiksairaj and Chirag Shetty are strong medal contenders in badminton’s men's doubles.

Indian badminton star Satwiksairaj Rankireddy had a fanboy moment in Paris ahead of the 2024 Olympics, meeting legendary Spanish tennis player Rafael Nadal at the Olympics Village. On Monday, Rankireddy shared his excitement on Instagram, expressing his elation on posing with Nadal.

India's Olympic contingent will commence its journey on July 25, featuring 112 athletes across 69 events in 16 sports. The Games will conclude on August 11, with India aiming to surpass the seven medals won at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Rankireddy, along with his men's doubles partner Chirag Shetty, are among the top contenders for a medal.

Known as 'Sat-Chi,' the duo has won two Badminton World Federation (BWF) Tour titles this year, clinching the French Open and Thailand Open. They also secured runner-up finishes in the Malaysian Open and India Open and competed in the Thomas Cup 2024, though they lost to eventual champions China in the quarterfinals.

With a peak world ranking of number one in men's doubles, numerous BWF Tour titles, and impressive showings in major tournaments, Rankireddy and Shetty's medal prospects are strong. Meanwhile, Nadal, who recently reached his first final in two years at the Nordea Open, continues to prepare for the Paris Olympics.

Tennis fans are eagerly anticipating the pairing of Nadal and recently-crowned Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in men's doubles at the Paris Games. The duo, who collectively hold 15 French Open titles, are favorites on the clay courts of Paris.

Nadal has been vocal about representing Spain at the Paris Olympics, potentially marking his final year on the ATP tour. Following his early exit at the French Open in May, Nadal reiterated his commitment to competing in Paris. (ANI)