New Delhi
Indian badminton’s rising star, Sathish Kumar Karunakaran, stamped his authority on the circuit by capturing his inaugural BWF Tour title at the recently concluded Odisha Masters 2023 in Cuttack. The emerging talent displayed exceptional skills and resilience, defeating Ayush Shetty 21-18, 19-21, 21-14 in a thrilling Men’s Singles final. Sathish’s victory at the Odisha Masters adds another accolade to his successful season, which included back-to-back Singles title wins at the India International in Bangalore and Raipur. Additionally, he secured a runner-up finish at the Maldives International Series. The 22-year-old’s consistent performances have propelled his world ranking from 508 to an impressive 51. In a match that extended beyond an hour, Sathish demonstrated his composure and determination against Ayush Shetty, a bronze medalist at the 2023 World Junior Championships. Expressing his joy, Sathish credited his coach, Ajit Wijetilekk, for the continuous support that has contributed to his improvement. Sathish, hailing from Chennai, initially gained recognition in the junior circuit, achieving notable feats such as winning a bronze medal at the Junior Korea Open and the Junior National Championships in 2019. He has been an integral part of the Indian team in events like the 2019 World Junior Championships and Asian Championships. Under the guidance of former Indian international Ajit Wijetilekk, Sathish honed his skills and opted for domestic-level tournaments to enhance his game. His journey saw him reaching the final of the Ukraine International in 2021, where he finished as the runner-up. The breakthrough came in 2022 when Sathish clinched his first international title in Cameroon. Reflecting on his triumph, Sathish expressed gratitude for the coaching support and conveyed increased confidence in his game. This maiden BWF Tour title marks a significant milestone in Sathish Kumar Karunakaran’s promising badminton career.
