Ratchanok Intanon Reaches India Open Semifinals with Emotional Drive
Thai badminton superstar Ratchanok Intanon continues her impressive run at the India Open Super 750. She secured a spot in the semifinals on Friday with a commanding performance. At 30 years old, Intanon remains a formidable force in women's singles badminton. She now prepares to face world-class opponent An Se-Young of Korea in New Delhi.
Playing for Mother's Dreams and More
Intanon's motivation extends far beyond the court. She plays with her late mother Kamphan Suwannasara constantly in mind. Suwannasara passed away in August 2021, but Intanon maintains a strong spiritual connection. The shuttler frequently shares heartfelt messages to her mother on social media, treating their bond as ongoing.
"I won't say goodbye to you, Mom. I may not want to say that in fact, I can't handle it," Intanon wrote in one Instagram tribute. In December 2025, after winning gold at the South-East Asian Games, she posted a screenshot showing her "chatting" with her mother. She sends photos and messages as if her mother were still present.
On her mother's birthday, Intanon sent a poignant note in English. "It's been long time I could not see you, but always thinking about you. I will do my best to achieve what we had talked before you goes. Please support me mom!" she wrote.
"At every level, I feel like she always supports me still," Intanon said after her quarterfinal victory. "I want to fulfill the dreams I promised to her – like I want to get some medal at the Asian Games or Olympics – when we were still together."
She credits her mother for shaping her character. "My character is from her, like never giving up easily and being a kind person. Every day we face a lot of tough situations, but we have to be happy and we make people happy around us. All that I learned from her," Intanon explained.
Multiple Motivations Fuel Her Career
When asked why she continues playing at this stage, Intanon offered a candid and multi-faceted answer. "I think mother and also money," she said with a burst of laughter. "I still enjoy playing. I love badminton. I know that my fitness is also quite okay. Like now, even with age catching up, I know that I still can achieve success and I have to believe in myself."
A Prodigy's Enduring Legacy
Ratchanok Intanon burst onto the scene as a teenage sensation. She won three World Junior Championships gold medals before making history. At just 18 years old, she became the youngest senior World Champion in 2013. Although three Olympic appearances haven't yielded a medal, she's widely regarded as one of the sport's greats.
Intanon represents a golden generation of women's singles players. Many of her contemporaries have retired, but she persists at the highest level. Currently ranked World No. 8, she has displayed clinical form in Delhi with three consecutive straight-game wins.
Indian star PV Sindhu, a close friend and rival, praised Intanon's longevity. "It's really good that when you talk about playing a decade ago with the same set of players, and we are still competing," Sindhu remarked. "It definitely motivates you. 'They are playing well, why not me?' It's good to have friends and competitors on the same circuit."
Facing the Ultimate Challenge
Intanon now confronts perhaps her toughest test. She meets Korea's An Se-Young, currently the world's dominant player. The Thai shuttler acknowledges the challenge but approaches it with determination.
"I have to be at my best first because I don't want to think like I'm lower than her and cannot win," Intanon stated. She also addressed what it takes for veteran players to compete against younger opponents. "We have to show the young players that we are still here, and we don't want you to win against us easily," she added with her characteristic smile.
Future Goals and Present Focus
Looking ahead, Intanon targets an Asian Games medal in 2026. However, her immediate priority remains maintaining peak physical condition. "The biggest objective is to stay fit," she insists.
Her journey continues to inspire fans worldwide. Ratchanok Intanon blends extraordinary skill with profound personal motivation. She honors her mother's memory while pursuing professional excellence and personal fulfillment through the sport she loves.
