LUCKNOW, April 18 -- Veteran badminton is not merely a nostalgic extension of the sport but it demands fitness, touch, tactical awareness, and mental toughness, especially against experienced opponents from across the world, and a shuttler like Abhinn Shyam Gupta possesses all such qualities.

Gupta's podium finish at the previous edition of the Veterans World Badminton Championship confirmed that he continues to bring those qualities to the court. At the age of 46, he is aiming for a top finish at the next year's Veterans World Badminton Championship.

"For me, making a top finish at the next Veterans World Badminton Championship is the ultimate dream of my life now and I am putting all my efforts, going through grinds for 2-3 hours dail...