Badminton star Aakarshi Kashyap “satisfied” with her India Open performance, says there’s “scope for improvement”

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Aakarshi Kashyap
Image Courtesy: Times of India

Over the years, Aakarshi Kashyap has established herself as one of the most promising badminton youngsters in the country. The third highest ranked female shutter of India, Kashyap made it to the semis of the recently concluded India Open 2022, which took place in Delhi from 11th to 16th January. And now, with the upcoming Syed Modi Open in Lucknow this weekend in her sight, Aakarshi feels her India Open performance will serve as a morale booster.

Currently ranked 72nd in the world, Aakarshi Kashyap was part of the Indian contingent that won gold at the 2019 South Asian Games. A huge fan of iconic Indian shuttlers Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu, Aakarshi Kashyap says she was positive about making it to the semifinals of the India Open, but admits there is still room for doing even better.

“I am satisfied with the way I have played in the India Open. I was optimistic of making it to the semis once the draw was out. Yes, there is always scope for improvement,” Aakarshi said in a recent interview with The Hindu.

The 20-year-old, who hails from Durg, Chattisgarh, defeated 12th seed Busanan Ongbamrunghpan of Thailand in the semis but says she will aim to get more aggressive wins in her future endeavors.

“I had five game points against Busanan. Should have finished off with a more aggressive approach. This is what I should be aiming for in future,” she added.

A BA final year student from Durg University, Aakarshi currently undergoes training at the Suchitra Badminton Academy in Hyderabad, the same place where Sindhu also trains under the mentorship of M Srikanth.

“I am fortunate to have a mentor like Pradeep Raju Sir (Suchitra) who always makes it a point to make a critical analysis of my games in all big events and to Srikanth sir for ensuring the right kind of fitness levels,” the youngster went on, “I believe my strong points are the drops big and half-smashes besides the ability to retrieve. All I am looking for now is to minimize unforced errors.”

“Honestly, I never spoke about my game with Sidhu didi or Saina didi. Apart from the Chinese legend Lin Dad, I grew up watching these two big names from India,” Aakarshi spoke about her shuttling idols, “Hope to keep improving and make a name for myself.” [H/T Sportstar]

Highlights:

  • Indian badminton star Aakarshi Kashyap says her semifinal finish at the India Open was satisfactory but adds there’s room for improvement
  • The 2019 South Asian Games team gold medallist defeated 12th seed Busanan Ongbamrunghpan in the semis

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