Indian badminton player Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, better known as Satwik, broke the Guinness World Record for the quickest hit by a male player. Satwik achieved an astounding speed of 565 km/h with his smash. In addition to putting Satwik on the map internationally, this record-breaking smash also shattered a record that Malaysian player Tan Boon Heong had held for ten years. Heong broke the record in May 2013 with a smash speed of 493 km/h.
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However, Satwik's most recent performance far outperformed this, ushering in a new age for badminton. The world-record smash took place in a safe setting at the Yonex factory gym in Soka, Saitama, Japan. Official Guinness World Records judges independently verified the speed measurement data, thereby solidifying Satwik's historical significance.
Satwik's smash was interestingly quicker than the maximum speed of 372.6 km/h attained by a Formula 1 car, demonstrating the extreme force and dexterity required in the game of badminton. This accomplishment has given India great pride and established a higher bar for aspiring athletes.
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The BWF Super 500 Korea Open's top men's doubles team, Satwik-Chirag, won their match in the opening round. The Thai duo of Supak Jomkoh and Kittinupong Kedren were upstaged by the pair as they were defeated in straight sets 21-16, 21-14. The Indian team showed off their superior abilities and tactics by ending the match in under 32 minutes. Another significant step in their budding careers was taken with the quick victory that earned them a spot in the Round of 16.
