Olympic Badminton: Key Athletes and Storylines for Paris 2024

The upcoming badminton competition at the Paris Olympics features notable athletes such as Beiwen Zhang and Viktor Axelsen, along with new entrants from El Salvador, Kazakhstan, and Nepal. Key dates for the matches are from July 27 to August 5, with various reigning champions returning to defend their titles.

As the Paris Olympics approach, attention turns to the badminton competition, which promises excitement with top athletes like Beiwen Zhang of the United States and Denmark's Viktor Axelsen. Zhang, a Pan American Games gold medalist, aims to secure the first U.S. Olympic badminton medal since 1992, while Axelsen, a seasoned Olympian, strives for another stellar performance.

Additionally, China's Chen Yu Fei, the defending women's singles champion, and mixed doubles qualifiers Vinson Chiu and Jennie Gai from the U.S. are among the key players to watch. Notably, newcomers from El Salvador, Kazakhstan, and Nepal will debut in men's singles, marking a historic moment for their nations.

Group play kicks off on July 27, followed by crucial mixed doubles matches on August 2 and singles finals on August 5. The anticipation builds as reigning champions prepare to defend their titles and new talents emerge on the Olympic stage.

(With inputs from agencies.)