Kidambi Srikanth Storms into First Final in Six Years at Malaysia Masters
Indian badminton player Kidambi Srikanth has made a fantastic comeback, reaching the men’s singles final of a major international badminton tournament after a gap of six years. He achieved this feat with a straight-set win over Japan’s Yushi Tanaka at the Malaysia Masters Super 500 badminton tournament on Saturday.
The 32-year-old Srikanth, who won a silver medal at the 2023 World Championships, displayed an excellent game. He showed glimpses of his old, top-class form with clever net play and strong attacking shots. He outplayed world number 23 Tanaka with scores of 21-18, 24-22 in an exciting match.
This is a significant milestone for Srikanth, as it’s his first time reaching a final on the BWF World Tour since he was the runner-up at the 2019 India Open. His last big win was back in 2017, when he clinched four titles.
Srikanth, who was once ranked world number one, has faced a challenging period in the past few years. His ranking had dropped to world number 65 due to issues with his performance and fitness. This return to a final is a great sign for the Indian shuttler and his supporters.
Local Relief Efforts (Sports Promotion): This news is a fantastic boost for Indian badminton and highlights the perseverance of athletes. In India, various government and private initiatives, such as the ‘Khelo India’ programme and badminton academies, are working to identify and train young talent. These efforts help provide facilities, coaching, and financial support to aspiring shuttlers, aiming to produce more world-class players like Kidambi Srikanth. Such achievements inspire many youngsters across the country to take up sports and pursue excellence, contributing to a healthier and more active nation.
Editor’s Note: This article has been adapted from an Associated Press news report titled “Kidambi Srikanth enters first final in six years at Malaysia Masters,” published on May 24, 2025.
