JAIPUR: Fast-rising Rajasthan shuttler Choudhary hair created history when the talented southpaw became the first state girl to win the national level title on Friday.
Sixteen-year-old Parul emerged champion in the U-17 girls singles at the Yonex-Sunrise All-India Sub Junior (U-15 & U-17) Ranking Badminton tournament, organised by the Badminton Association of India (BAI), which concluded at Chennupati Ramakotaiah Municipal Indoor Stadium in Vijayawada.
In-form Parul toppled top seed Rishika Nandi 21-10, 21-19 in the final, which lasted for 39 minutes. It was Parul’s second successive win over Rishika in as many months. Churu girl thumped Rishika 21-15, 21-14 in the U-19 girls singles final during the North Zone Inter-State Championship in Chandigarh early last month.
Parul finished runner-up at the All India Ranking tournament in Hyderabad when she lost the final against Indian badminton sensation Tanvi Patri on June 17.
Second seed Parul was the underdog as her Delhi opponent Rishika is an established player and had represented the Indian junior team on a few occasions.
However, Parul raised her level of play and dominated the first game with a series of powerful smashes and perfect placements. She was leading from the word go and wrapped up the opener quite easily at 21-10.
In the second game too, Parul was in control initially, but Rishika fought back and levelled the scores midway. Parul stayed focused and quelled the spirited challenge from Rishika to close the match in straight games by clinching the second game 21-19.
Stamping her authority in style, Parul, who trains under coach Manish Sharma in Gurgaon, lost only two games throughout the tournament to bag her maiden All India crown.
After her Hyderabad heroics, Parul was picked in the national squad and represented the Indian team at the Asian Sub-Junior Championship in Chengdu, China a couple of months ago.
“I am thrilled to win my first title after missing it narrowly in Hyderabad. I am now more confident and want to do well in the forthcoming tournaments. I want to thank my coach Manish Sir and parents for their constant support,” Parul told TOI on Friday.
Rajasthan Badminton Association secretary and BAI joint secretary KK Sharma confirmed that Parul is the first from the state to claim the national title.
Manish Sharma was happy with his ward’s show and said Parul will now aim to improve rankings in the U-19 girls singles and also in the seniors.
