India, Aug. 20 -- Lin Dan was gifted with pace, deception and a blistering attack. Lee Chong Wei had exceptional movement and defence, Chen Long built his game around counter-attack, while the tall Viktor Axelsen combined power with remarkable retrieving skills. These players brought distinct styles to the court and imposed their game on world badminton. They achieved great things on the court because of their amazing consistency. They kept coming back at their opponents, again and again.

Super Dan was a notch above the rest, a once-in-a-lifetime player who brought such joy to fans with his left-handed fluidity and unhurried style. Two Olympic titles, five World Championship gold medals and six All England titles showed his sheer dominan...