For the past one and half years, Hardik Makkar has been doing a lot of self-talk, meditation and reading books to keep away negative thoughts, stay focused and calm during his matches.
The new routine is paying off well as he won a double at the Egypt Para Badminton International in January. On Friday, he assured himself of a medal at the 16th Fazza Dubai Para Badminton International 2025. This will be also his first in the championships where he has appeared three times.
“This practice of self-talk along with breathing exercises has been part of my daily routine and it’s a process I follow every day, sometimes every hour. I have also built up the habit of reading psychological books and this is helping me a lot to stay mentally strong and focused on court,” said Makkar, who staged a comeback to beat compatriot Chirag Baretha in a thrilling men’s singles Standing Upper (SU5) quarterfinal, 17-21 21-15 21-11.
Further elaborating, the 24-year-old Makkar said that he is a big fan of the grace and calmness of Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer on court and would aim to have a similar game-style for himself.
The 2022 World Championships men’s doubles SU5 bronze medallist has eyes on the gold medal at the upcoming Asian Para Championships in Korat, Thailand this June. But before that he hopes to pull off an amazing result in his best appearance in Dubai.
“This is my first ever semifinals appearance in Dubai and I want to make it memorable – fighting every point until the end,” said Makkar looking ahead to the semifinals against Malaysian giant Cheah Liek Hou.
As the high-intensity men’s singles Standing Upper (SU5) quarterfinal got under way at the Shabab Al Ahli Club, there were few other names who stole the limelight.
First medal for Sakhuja
Abhijeet Sakhuja
Another promising player from India, Abhijeet Sakhuja, displayed surprised second seed and Malaysian world no. 8 Mohd Amin Burhanuddin 21-14 21-17 in a men’s singles Standing Lower (SL4) quarterfinal.
Sakhuja’s strong build complemented his skills as he stretched the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games silver medallist to the limit before winning it amid the India team support.
Returning to competition after a span of six months following his ankle injury, the 20-year-old Indian’s key to victory was playing safe and staying on the court.
“Before the Fazza Championships, I felt nervous on court but a few sessions with his psychologist helped him overcome this.
“Now I’m focusing on single point rather than the whole game, focusing on a strategy and plan according to it. I’m hoping to keep it up,” said the promising star who won two gold medals at the Uganda Para Badminton International 2024, three years after winning the men’s doubles SL3-SL4 gold medal at Asian Youth Para Games 2021.
“Ï aim to improve my rankings this year and I know I can do that if I give my 100 per cent.”
Thrilling Win for Malaysia
Among other highlights of the day was the men’s doubles Standing Upper (SU5) quarterfinal between Malaysian top seeds Cheah Liek Hou/ Muhammad Fareez Anuar and Koreans Kim Gi-Yeon / Lee Jeongsoo.
Trailing one game, the Koreans came back stronger than expected and fought every point to force a deuce at 20 all. It was then Lee’s offense versus Cheah’s defence and saw sides changing before the Malaysians pulled it off at 30-29.
Backed by their team throughout, the young Koreans lost the match but surely stole everyone’s heart at the venue.
The semifinals are slotted for Saturday followed by the finals on Sunday.
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