Unseeded Indian Duo Wins Girls' Doubles Title at Junior Badminton Grand Prix
In a spirited performance, unseeded Indian teenagers Aanya Bisht and Angel Punera won the girls' doubles title at the Yonex Sunrise India Junior International Grand Prix in Pune. The duo staged an impressive comeback to defeat the fifth-seeded Japanese pair of Aoi Banno and Yuzu Ueno in a thrilling three-game final with a score of 21-23, 21-12, 21-17. Their victory marks a significant achievement for the young Indian players on the international junior circuit.
Unpacked:
The Yonex Sunrise India Junior International Grand Prix is an annual international badminton tournament held in Pune, featuring top junior players from around the world. It is part of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) circuit and is known for showcasing emerging talent, with past participants including renowned Indian stars like Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu.
Nine countries participated in this year's tournament: India, England, UAE, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Chinese Taipei, and Ireland. The event drew 296 players, reflecting its international prestige and competitive field.
Being unseeded means Bisht and Punera were not ranked among the top pairs expected to win, making their victory over the fifth-seeded Japanese duo a notable upset and highlighting their potential and resilience on an international stage.
Winning a prestigious international junior title can boost their rankings, increase their visibility, and potentially attract sponsorships or selection for national teams, laying a strong foundation for a successful senior badminton career.