In a significant breakthrough for Indian badminton from an unexpected corner, 19-year-old Sanskar Saraswat from Jodhpur has claimed the Guwahati Masters Super 100 title. This victory is not just a personal milestone for the teenager but a powerful statement for a region not historically known for producing elite shuttlers.
From Cement Courts to National Champion
The story of Sanskar's ascent is deeply intertwined with his father, Raj Saraswat. A former cricketer, Raj discovered badminton post his Class 12 on the cement courts of the Old Bijlighar. "I learnt everything about badminton on that cement floor, and lost both my knees," he recalls with a laugh. His passion saw him rise through university and North Zone ranks between 1995 and 2008 before becoming a certified coach.
This passion created a unique learning environment for young Sanskar. From the age of seven, he was immersed in a sports-loving atmosphere where his father and extended family played for hours, discussing stroke intricacies freely. This stress-free, yet deeply technical upbringing mirrors how global stars like Tai Tzu-ying began their journeys. Raj, a multiple-time state champion himself, was determined to start a badminton trend in Rajasthan, a state known for channeling its tall athletes into basketball and volleyball.
Forging a Champion: Repetition, Technique, and Aggression
When Sanskar showed serious promise, Raj transitioned to full-time coaching, supported by his wife who managed the household with her job as a medical officer. Unaware that Rajasthan wasn't a traditional badminton powerhouse, Sanskar benefited from his father's intense focus. His technique was honed through relentless repetition, often hitting the same stroke 500-600 times from a single corner. This rigorous training gave him exceptionally sharp strokes and a deep understanding of badminton-specific fitness.
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, Sanskar developed an extremely aggressive playing style, idolizing the legendary Lin Dan. However, competing at higher international levels taught him a crucial lesson. "At the international level, 70-80% of the time, rallies get longer. So I had to learn to play long rallies," he explains. While tempering his all-out attack, he retained the ability to skillfully build points towards a winning shot.
The Guwahati Breakthrough and the Road Ahead
His refined skills culminated in a stellar performance at the Guwahati Masters Super 100 in December 2025, held at a venue where he trains at the National Centre. Sanskar displayed remarkable control, especially at the net, to overcome a tricky opponent in former national champion Mithun Manjunath. The win was a relief after a medal-less year, achieved following three weeks of intense, uninterrupted training.
His arsenal includes a crisp forehand cross slice and an effective round-the-head smash, leveraging his tall frame. However, the journey forward requires work. His father notes that cutting down on errors in bunches and improving defense will be key. Sanskar himself is mindful of the physical demands, regularly visiting Mumbai's Reliance facility for knee, ankle, and back rehabilitation.
Sanskar's success coincides with a mushrooming of badminton academies in Rajasthan since 2009, when he first started. He stands as a potential pioneer, proving that with the right blend of passion, technique, and physicality, talent can emerge from any corner of India, potentially heralding a new wave of shuttlers from non-traditional regions.
