Malvika Bansod Smashes Her Way To Second International Badminton Title In A Row
Congratulations, Malvika Bansod!
Young Indian badminton prodigy Malvika Bansod has continued her rich vein of form after winning the Annapurna International Super Series in Nepal.
Malvika beat her compatriot Gayatri Gopichand 21-14 21-18 in lop-sided final clash to win back to back international badminton tournaments. The 18-year-old Bansod defeated national coach Pullela Gopichand¡¯s 16-year-old daughter in 42 minutes.
In the women's singles summit clash, it was an all Indian affair as Malvika and Gayatri went head to head for the title. Both girls were looking to start fast, but it was latter who went ahead early in the set one and took control. Taking the set 21-14.
Gayatri needed to get her a-game into play to have any chance of mustering a comeback, but her valiant effort didn't prove enough as Malvika showed excellent shot making and held on in a closely fought second set - winning 21-18, resulting in a straight sets win.
This was Nagpur native Gayatri's second international title in a row - having triumphed last Sunday in the Maldives International Future Series. The 18 year-old has looked the part in both the tournaments, showing her immense ability with the racket.
Having won two successive tournaments, Gayatri couldn't hold back her excitement and thanked her coach after the win.
While talking to Times of India, she said:"I am very glad that I could win two back-to-back titles in in my first exposure in senior international circuit. I am very grateful to my coach Sanjay Mishra Sir for his training and guidance. It was a fortnight-long tour having won the tournament at Maldives last Sunday, I had to continue in the same tempo and focus."
The tempo and focus was there aplenty, in what was a complete performance from the 18 year-old prodigy. She has made a wonderful start to her career and will to continue with the same momentum.
The badminton keeps on producing the greatest of talent and it looks like Malvika Bansod is on her way to become another sensation in the international circuit. The future looks truly bright for Indian badminton.