Indian shuttle service breakdown as badminton draws a blank at Paris Olympics

India was expected to win at least two badminton medals in Paris but they returned empty-handed. Chief coach Pullela Gopichand, who has been at the helm since 2006, was disappointed with the Indian shuttlers' show.

"I thought we would come back with more than one medal this time. We expected a medal from men's doubles, women's singles and men's singles," Gopichand said.

Lakshya Sen finished fourth in men's singles while PV Sindhu was ousted in the pre-quarterfinals. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who were the overwhelming favourites to finish on the podium, were shocked in the quarterfinals.

"This was an unexpected result. I think the Badminton Association of India and Sports Authority of India will conduct a thorough investigation. We need to know the reasons behind this poor show. But I am confident if we correct these flaws we will come up with a good show at the next Olympics," Gopichand said.

Despite Gopi being the chief coach, most of the players were with their own coaches in Paris.

BADMINTON: ATHLETES: 7 | MEDAL: 0