In a remarkable display of skill and determination, India’s Malvika Bansod pulled off a sensational straight-game victory over Paris Olympics bronze medallist Gregoria Mariska Tunjung of Indonesia in the women’s singles opening round of the China Open Super 100 badminton tournament. This victory, achieved on Wednesday, marks one of the biggest wins in Malvika’s career and a significant moment for Indian badminton.
The Match
The 22-year-old Malvika, ranked 43rd in the world, showcased immense grit and resilience throughout the match. She saved three game points in the opening game to defeat the world No. 7 Indonesian 26-24, 21-19 in a 46-minute encounter. This victory not only highlights Malvika’s growing prowess on the international stage but also underscores her potential to compete with the best in the world.
Malvika Bansod’s career so far
Malvika Bansod, a left-handed shuttler from Nagpur, transitioned to the senior international circuit in 2019. She has since made significant strides, winning the Maldives International title and finishing runner-up at the 2022 Syed Modi International. Her consistent performances have seen her break into the world’s top 50, despite facing health challenges such as dengue and typhoid following her participation in the Hangzhou Asian Games last year.
Training and Coaching
Currently training under coach Shrikant Vad at the Thane Badminton Academy, Malvika has been working tirelessly to improve her game. Her mother, Trupti, expressed immense pride in her daughter’s achievements, stating, “This is her biggest win, and she is extremely happy. She has been performing well, but lacks experience, and sometimes luck hasn’t favoured her.”
MALVIKA UPSET PARIS OLY BRONZE MEDALIST 🤯
Malvika Bansod beats World No.7 Tunjung 🇮🇩 26-24, 21-19 in First round of China Open
Biggest win of her career 🇮🇳💥👏pic.twitter.com/lhNMlDDbXs
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) September 18, 2024
Malvika’s victory is a significant boost for Indian badminton, especially in the women’s singles category. She was the sole Indian bright spot in the women’s singles at the China Open, as compatriots Aakarshi Kashyap and Samiya Imad Farooqui exited in the first round. Aakarshi lost to Chinese Taipei’s Chiu Pin-Chian 15-21, 19-21, while Samiya was outplayed by Gilmour 9-21, 7-21 in a one-sided contest.
In other Indian results, the women’s doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand went down 21-16, 15-21, 17-21 to Chinese Taipei’s Hsieh Pei Shan and Hung En-Tzu. The mixed doubles duo of B Sumeeth Reddy and N Sikki Reddy lost 10-21, 16-21 to Malaysia’s Tan Kian Meng and Lai Pei Jing.
Also Read: Indian Pickleball Association to Send Two Teams to Pickleball World Cup 2024
