Karnataka’s M Raghu saved three match points in the decider to beat former champion Mithun Manjunath and clinch the men’s singles title at the Yonex-Sunrise 86th Senior Nationals badminton championships held in Bengaluru. Raghu, who upset top seed Sathish Kumar in the semi-finals, defeated Mithun with a score of 14-21, 21-14, 24-22 in just under an hour, marking his maiden national title.
Devika Sihag Wins Women’s Singles Crown
In the women’s singles final, Devika Sihag from Haryana ended the giant-killing run of Shriyanshi Valishetty, winning the match with a score of 21-15, 21-16. Devika quickly took control of the match tempo and maintained her dominance throughout to secure her victory.
Doubles Championships
Junior National Champions Arsh Mohammad and Sanskar Saraswat added the senior nationals title to their achievements by upsetting top seeds Naveen P and Lokesh V in the men’s doubles final with a score of 12-21, 21-12, 19-21.Additionally, Ayush Agarwal and Shruti Mishra bagged the mixed doubles crown, while Arathi Sara Sunil and Varshini VS won the women’s doubles final.
Grand Finale at Karnataka Badminton Association Courts
The men’s singles final provided a thrilling conclusion to the senior nationals as two players from Karnataka faced off. Mithun started strong by clinching the opening game easily. However, Raghu fought back to win the second game decisively. In a tense final game, Raghu showcased remarkable control during net exchanges, recovering from a 15-19 deficit to level the score at 19-19. Despite Mithun earning three match points, he could not convert any.
In contrast, Devika maintained her composure and control throughout her match against Shriyanshi Valishetty, who had previously eliminated last year’s champion.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and resilience demonstrated by M Raghu and Devika Sihag in their remarkable victories. Their achievements not only highlight individual talent but also inspire a sense of community and unity within sports. As we reflect on these championships, let us foster an environment that encourages dialogue, empathy, and harmony among all athletes. How do you think sports can play a role in promoting positive social change? Share your thoughts with us!
