WITH India’s top two players making it to the final, everybody was expecting an edge of the seat drama, but Napgur’s India No 2 and the second seed Malvika Bansod made it a no contest toppling India No 1 and top seed Chhattisgarh’s Aakarshi Kashyap in straight games to take the crown in BAI Series Senior Badminton Tournament that concluded in Hyderabad, on Thursday. Malvika gave the city a New Year gift stunning the better rated Aakarshi 21-15, 21-9 in a 42-minute one-sided encounter. After taking the first game, Malvika was just unstoppable in the second one limiting her rival’s points to a single digit.

 

The week-long tournament was organised by Badminton Association of Telangana under the aegis of Badminton Association of India. After a forgettable show in last meet at Chennai where she could not breach the quarter-final barrier, Malvika was a happy soul after the title win. “I am delighted to win the BAI Series tournament at Hyderabad. I want to thank my coach Sanjay Sir and his entire team at ITM Badminton Academy for making this possible. Many thanks to Vishwaraj Infrastructure, Go Sports and my family for supporting me throughout my journey. I would also like to thank NDBA and MBA for constant support,” said an elated Malvika. Though happy with the title, Mishra wants the very best from her ward. “I am very happy for her. She is doing good. But I want the best and am working for that,” was his short and sweet reply to ‘The Hitavada’ on Malvika’s stunning victory.