Changzhou
India’s badminton sensation, Malvika Bansod, saw her impressive run at the BWF China Open come to an end on Friday. She faced Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, currently ranked eighth in the world, and lost in the quarterfinals with a score of 21-10, 21-16 in just 35 minutes.
Despite this setback, the 22-year-old Bansod had an extraordinary journey in this Super 1000 tournament. Ranked 43rd globally, she became only the third Indian woman to reach a Super 1000 quarterfinal, joining the ranks of legends like PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal.
Bansod secured her spot in the quarterfinals with a thrilling victory over Scotland’s Kristy Gilmour in a tense three-game match, winning 21-17, 19-21, 21-16. Earlier in the tournament, she made headlines by defeating Paris Olympics bronze medallist Gregoria Mariska Tunjung from Indonesia, showcasing her talent on an international stage.
Though she fell short against Yamaguchi, Bansod’s performance in China highlights her potential and promises a bright future for Indian badminton. Her achievements so far are inspiring a new generation of players, and fans eagerly await her next appearances.
