The 86th Senior National Badminton Championships concluded with thrilling matches, showcasing remarkable talent and determination. Karnataka's M Raghu emerged victorious in the men’s singles, overcoming a nail-biting final against former champion Mithun Manjunath.
Raghu saved three match points in the deciding game and secured his maiden national title with a 14-21, 21-14, 24-22 victory. His journey to the title was equally impressive, as he had earlier upset top seed Sathish Kumar in the semi-finals.
Haryana’s Devika Sihag claimed the women’s singles title, defeating Shriyanshi Valishetty in straight games, 21-15, 21-16.
Devika displayed exceptional control and dominance throughout the match, cutting short Shriyanshi's spirited campaign that had seen her defeat higher-ranked opponents earlier in the tournament.
In the men’s doubles final, Junior National Champions Arsh Mohammad and Sanskar Saraswat continued their winning streak by upsetting top seeds Naveen P and Lokesh V. The duo triumphed in a hard-fought match that ended 12-21, 21-12, 19-21, showcasing their resilience and teamwork.
The mixed doubles and women’s doubles finals highlighted the experience of seasoned players. Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani G secured the mixed doubles title, while Arathi Sara Sunil and Varshini VS clinched the women’s doubles crown.
Both pairs demonstrated excellent coordination and skill, making their victories well-deserved.
The men’s singles final was undoubtedly the highlight of the event, with two local players providing an electrifying finish at the Karnataka Badminton Association courts.
Mithun Manjunath, a former champion, started strong, taking the first game with ease. However, Raghu made a spectacular comeback in the second game, forcing a decider. The third game was a roller-coaster ride, with Raghu displaying exceptional composure at crucial moments.
His control during net exchanges proved pivotal, especially when he rallied back from 15-19 to level the score. Despite Mithun earning three match points, Raghu's determination carried him through to a memorable victory.
The women’s singles final also showcased tactical brilliance, with Devika Sihag dictating the pace of the match from the start. Her ability to maintain control and sustain pressure on Shriyanshi Valishetty ensured a straight-sets victory, adding another feather to her cap.
The championships were a fitting stage for both rising stars and experienced players to shine. From Raghu’s remarkable fightback to Devika’s commanding performance, the tournament underscored the depth of talent in Indian badminton.
The Karnataka Badminton Association courts bore witness to unforgettable moments, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next edition of this prestigious event.
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