In a display of grit and skill, Surya Charishma Tamiri and Rithvik Sanjeevi were crowned the new women's and men's singles champions at the prestigious Senior National Badminton Championships on Sunday. The young shuttlers sealed their maiden national titles with composed and determined performances, marking a significant milestone in their careers.
Tamiri's Comeback Victory in Women's Singles
The women's singles final was a gripping encounter that tested the mettle of both players. 19-year-old Surya Charishma Tamiri from Vijayawada faced a tough challenge from Tanvi Patri, who took control early. Patri dictated the pace and forced errors from Surya to secure the opening game 21-17.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the second game. At a crucial juncture with Surya trailing 5-6, a service return error into the net seemed costly. However, a height fault call by the service judge on Tanvi's serve gave Surya a vital reprieve. Seizing this second chance, the young prodigy elevated her game, unleashing a stunning streak of seven consecutive points to take command and level the match by winning the second game 21-12.
The decider evolved into a battle of endurance. Surya expertly engaged Tanvi in long, draining rallies. The physical exertion began to show as Tanvi's movement slowed. With the score delicately poised at 15-14, Surya found another gear, displaying remarkable focus to win the final six points in a row. She closed out the match 21-14 in the third game, claiming the national title after a contest that lasted nearly an hour.
Sanjeevi's Calm Demeanor Seals Men's Title
In the men's singles final, Rithvik Sanjeevi relied on his rock-solid defence and unflappable temperament to overcome Bharat Raghav. The 2024 Odisha Masters champion started strongly, taking the first game with relative ease.
The second game presented a stiffer challenge as Bharat Raghav surged to a 9-5 lead. Demonstrating his champion mentality, Rithvik responded with a brilliant run of six straight points to swing the momentum back in his favour. Just when a straight-games victory seemed imminent, a couple of misjudgments allowed Bharat back into contention, even pushing him to game point.
Under intense pressure, Rithvik held his nerve. Staying true to his tactical plan, he weathered the storm and clinched the match in 39 minutes, showcasing the mental fortitude required of a national champion.
Doubles Dominance by Top Seeds and an Upset
The doubles finals also delivered compelling action. In the women's doubles, the experienced pair of Shikha Gautam and Ashwini Bhat K proved too strong, defeating second seeds Priya Devi Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra in straight games 21-14, 21-18.
The men's doubles crown was claimed by the top-seeded duo of Hariharan Amsakarunan and R Ruban Kumar, who justified their top billing with a convincing 21-17, 21-12 win over Mithileish P Krishnan and Prejan.
The mixed doubles event witnessed the tournament's major upset. Second seeds Sathwik Reddy K and Radhika Sharma produced a dominant performance, overpowering top seeds Ashith Surya and Amrutha P with a commanding 21-9, 21-15 victory to lift the championship trophy.
The 2024 Senior National Badminton Championships have successfully identified India's next generation of badminton stars, with Surya Charishma Tamiri and Rithvik Sanjeevi leading the charge. Their victories underscore the depth of talent in Indian badminton and set the stage for their future exploits on the international circuit.
