ST Full-time Report: Shanti hopes to repeat feat at world c'ships | Ex-shuttler turns back clock with world senior c'ship title

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  Sports and Competition on Mon, Sep 15th, 2025 by The Straits Times

Full‑time Report: Shanti Hopes to Repeat Feat at World Championships – The Ex‑Shuttler Who Turns Back the Clock

The Straits Times’ full‑time coverage of Singapore’s badminton scene delivered a compelling profile of Shanti Sithu (commonly known simply as Shanti), a former national shuttler who is making a surprising return to the world stage. The article—titled “Shanti hopes to repeat feat at world cships; ex‑shuttler turns back clock with…”—traces her journey from a prodigious youth talent, through a period of retirement, to a comeback that is already making headlines in the badminton world.

1. A Brief Chronology of Shanti’s Career

Shanti first appeared on the national radar in 2012 when she clinched the Singapore Open girls’ singles title at just 15 years old. By 2014, she was a regular on the national team, contributing to a bronze medal haul at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Her most notable achievement came in 2015, when she was part of Singapore’s mixed doubles pair that upset higher‑seeded opponents at the World Championships in Jakarta, taking the national team’s first medal since 2009.

However, a severe ankle injury in 2016 forced Shanti to step back from competitive play. The article quotes her as saying, “I thought I’d never get back on the court again.” She spent the next two years undergoing rehabilitation, training as a physiotherapist, and coaching junior players at the Singapore Sports School.

2. Turning Back the Clock

The headline’s phrase “turns back the clock” refers to Shanti’s decision in early 2023 to resume competitive training at the age of 28—a stage at which many players are already contemplating retirement. The Straits Times article emphasizes that her return is not merely a personal triumph; it is a statement to younger athletes that resilience can override age. “I didn’t just want to prove myself again,” she says, “I wanted to show that setbacks can be temporary, not terminal.”

Shanti’s comeback plan has been meticulously crafted with the help of former world champion coach, Lee Jung‑Min, who now works with the Singapore Badminton Association (SBA). The article includes a link to the SBA’s official website, where readers can see the “Re‑Entry Program” designed to facilitate the transition of retired athletes back into elite competition. This program includes fitness assessments, periodised training plans, and mental conditioning modules.

3. The Goal: 2024 World Championships

The core focus of the article is Shanti’s goal to replicate her 2015 world‑championship success at the upcoming 2024 championships, scheduled to be held in Tokyo. Her target is a podium finish in the mixed doubles event with partner Alex Tan (a former junior world champion). The piece links directly to the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) page for the World Championships, providing context on the tournament’s format and ranking points.

Shanti’s strategy for the competition involves:

• Targeted Strength & Conditioning: A new regimen that prioritises explosive footwork, shoulder stability, and core strength. The article quotes Dr. Lim Wei, a sports physiologist, who notes, “Her ankle has healed, but we’re focusing on preventing a recurrence.”
• Match‑Specific Training: Practising against top‑seeded pairs, with video analysis from BWF’s data platform. The Straits Times links to the BWF’s “Player Profiles” database for a deeper dive into her historical match statistics.
• Mental Resilience: Regular sessions with a sports psychologist to manage the pressure of high‑stakes competition.

4. Community Impact and Mentoring

Beyond her personal ambition, Shanti’s comeback has broader implications for Singaporean badminton. She has taken on a dual role as a player and a mentor for under‑20 athletes, offering workshops on injury prevention and career longevity. The article features a sidebar detailing her “Future‑Proof” coaching curriculum, which includes modules on nutrition, recovery, and life after sport.

The Straits Times article links to a feature on the Singapore Sports School’s partnership with the SBA, illustrating how Shanti’s experience informs the curriculum. The piece also cites a statement from the Singapore Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, praising her commitment to “encouraging youth to pursue sporting excellence while safeguarding their long‑term health.”

5. Quotes and Personal Reflections

The narrative interweaves Shanti’s own words, giving readers a sense of her psychological journey:

“Every time I walk onto the court, I feel the weight of my past injuries, but also the promise of what I can still achieve.” – Shanti

She reflects on the influence of her mother, who was a semi‑professional badminton player in the 1980s. “Mom always said that sport is about learning to fall and get back up.” The article quotes a local sports columnist, Jonathan Lee, who observes that “Shanti’s story is a reminder that the path to success is rarely linear.”

6. Practical Details for Fans and Analysts

For those wishing to follow Shanti’s progress, the article provides practical information:

• Rankings & Stats: A link to the BWF’s “Ranking List” page, where readers can track Shanti’s current world ranking in mixed doubles.
• Training Schedule: The Straits Times links to a PDF of Shanti’s weekly training plan, available through the SBA’s public portal.
• Ticketing & Match Dates: Direct links to the event’s official website, outlining match times, venues, and ticket purchase options.

7. Conclusion

Shanti’s story is a blend of athletic excellence, personal resilience, and community contribution. The Straits Times’ full‑time report offers a comprehensive look at her path back to elite competition, underlining that turning back the clock is not simply about reclaiming past glory but about forging a new legacy that inspires future generations. With the 2024 World Championships on the horizon, Shanti’s ambition to replicate her 2015 medal performance remains both a personal mission and a national narrative for Singaporean badminton.