The 85th Senior National Badminton Championships concluded with thrilling finals, crowning new champions in Guwahati. The prestigious tournament, held from October 15 to 20, 2023, at the Nabin Chandra Bordoloi AC Indoor Hall in the RG Baruah Sports Complex, saw intense competition across all categories.
Women's Singles: Charishma's Dominant Victory
In the women's singles final, Surya Charishma S. P. delivered a commanding performance to secure the national title. The talented shuttler from Karnataka defeated her opponent, Samiya Imad Farooqui, in a straight-games victory. The final scoreline read 21-15, 21-14, showcasing Charishma's control and strategic play throughout the match.
This victory marks a significant milestone in Charishma's career, establishing her as one of the top players in the country. Her path to the final was equally impressive, demonstrating consistency and skill against a strong field of competitors.
Men's Singles: Sanjeevi's Triumph Over Top Seed
The men's singles category witnessed a major upset as Rithvik H. Sanjeevi claimed the championship. Sanjeevi faced the top seed, M. Mithun, in a highly anticipated final and emerged victorious after a hard-fought battle. He won the match with scores of 21-19, 21-19.
This win is particularly notable as Sanjeevi overcame the tournament favorite, proving his mettle on the national stage. The close score in both games highlights the intense nature of the contest and Sanjeevi's ability to perform under pressure during crucial points.
Doubles Action and Other Highlights
While the singles titles took center stage, the doubles events also produced exciting badminton. The tournament served as a crucial platform for India's leading shuttlers to compete for national glory. The event was organized by the Badminton Association of India (BAI) in collaboration with the Assam Badminton Association, ensuring smooth execution.
The championships highlighted the depth of talent in Indian badminton, with players from various states showcasing their skills. The competitive environment in Guwahati sets a positive tone for players aiming to represent India in future international competitions.
Implications for Indian Badminton
The victories of Surya Charishma and Rithvik Sanjeevi signal the rise of new champions in the Indian badminton circuit. Their success will inspire upcoming players and add to the competitive pool for national team selection.
Events like the Senior National Championships are vital for identifying and nurturing talent that can eventually succeed on the global stage, such as the Olympics and World Championships. The performances in Guwahati will be closely analyzed by national selectors for future tours and team events.
The 85th edition successfully concluded, reaffirming the event's importance in the Indian sports calendar. All eyes will now be on the new champions as they carry this momentum into the international season ahead.
