Rising Stars Shine at the 86th Senior national Badminton Championships
The 86th edition of the Senior National Badminton championships witnessed the emergence of new champions and thrilling battles on the court. Devika Sihag, a towering shuttler from Haryana, dominated the women’s singles category, securing her first national title wiht a convincing victory over the promising Shriyanshi Valishetty. Sihag’s aggressive style and powerful strokes proved to much for her opponent, showcasing her readiness to make a mark on the international stage.
In the men’s singles, Karnataka’s M Raghu delivered a stunning upset, dethroning former national champion Mithun Manjunath in a nail-biting three-set thriller. Raghu’s resilience and ability to capitalize on crucial moments, notably saving three match points, highlighted his potential as a future badminton star.
The men’s doubles saw the junior national champions, Arsh mohammad and Sanskar Saraswat, continue their impressive form by clinching the senior title.Their victory over top seeds Naveen P and Lokesh V demonstrated their tactical prowess and synergy on the court.
Meanwhile, the women’s doubles final saw Arathi Sara sunil and Varshini VS triumph, marking a historic moment for Tamil Nadu badminton as Varshini became one of the first players from the state to win a senior national title.
The mixed doubles crown went to the experienced duo of Ayush Agarwal and Shruti Mishra, who showcased their combined skills and tactical awareness to overcome their opponents.
This year’s Senior National Badminton Championships not only crowned new champions but also highlighted the depth of talent in Indian badminton. With several young players showcasing their potential, the future of Indian badminton looks radiant.
A New Dawn for Indian Badminton: An exclusive Interview with Pullela Gopichand
The 86th Senior National Badminton Championships left the badminton world buzzing,not just for its nail-biting matches but also for the emergence of promising new talent. To discuss this exciting time for Indian badminton, we sat down with legendary coach and former All England Open champion, pullela Gopichand.
Moderator: mr. Gopichand, the championships saw some remarkable performances, particularly from the younger generation.What are yoru thoughts on the future of Indian badminton based on what we witnessed?
Pullela Gopichand: Absolutely! This year’s tournament was a fantastic showcase of the depth and potential within Indian badminton. Devika Sihag’s dominance in the women’s singles was spectacular. her aggressive style and powerful strokes are reminiscent of some of the best in the world. And M Raghu’s upset victory over Mithun Manjunath was truly inspiring. His ability to stay composed under pressure and convert crucial points speaks volumes about his character.
Moderator: Raghu’s win was certainly a highlight. Do you see him making a strong impact on the international circuit in the near future?
Pullela Gopichand: Without a doubt. Raghu has the talent and the temperament to compete at the highest level. He needs to continue honing his skills, gain experience by playing more international tournaments, and remain focused on his training.
moderator: Speaking of young talent, the junior national champions, Arsh Mohammad and Sanskar Saraswat, secured the men’s doubles title, defeating the top seeds.What does this say about the state of doubles badminton in India?
Pullela Gopichand: This victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these young players and their coaches. The future of Indian doubles badminton looks vrey bright. We need to continue nurturing these partnerships and providing them with the necessary support to succeed on the global stage.
Moderator: The women’s doubles final saw a historic win for Tamil Nadu, with Arathi Sara Sunil and Varshini VS claiming the title.This is a important moment for the state and for Indian badminton as a whole.
Pullela Gopichand: It is indeed historic! This victory signifies the widening reach of badminton across India. We need to ensure that talent from all corners of the country receives the necessary opportunities and support to reach their full potential.
Moderator: Mr. Gopichand, what message do you have for aspiring young badminton players in india?
Pullela Gopichand: My message is simple – believe in yourself, work hard, dream big, and never give up. the pathway to success in badminton, or any sport for that matter, is paved with dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Moderator: Thank you for your time and insightful comments, Mr. Gopichand.
I’m sure these inspiring performances and Mr. Gopichand’s encouraging words will fuel the dreams of young badminton players across the country.
What are your thoughts on the future of Indian badminton? Let us know in the comments below!
