CHHATTISGARH’S ace shuttler Aakarshi Kashyap clinched gold medal defeating top seed Malvika Bansod in the women’s singles badminton at the 36th National Games being held in Gujarat.

The international shuttler who was the gold medal winning team member at the last Commonwealth Games touched the peak of her performance defeating top seed of the national games Maharashtra’s Malvika Bansod. After an easy win in the first set by 21-8, the second set was evenly poised with both Aakarshi and Malvika rarely missing the opportunity to score points. Finally, after a tensed battle, Aakarshi won the second set 22-20 adding second gold medal in the tally for State. Earlier, Aakarshi had won the semifinals by defeating Tanya Hemant of Karnataka by 21-13, 21-15. The first gold medal was won in skating competition. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Youth Welfare and Sports Minister Umesh Patel congratulated Aakarshi Kashyap for her outstanding achievement. In his message, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said, “I congratulate Aakarshi on winning gold. She has made Chhattisgarh proud at the 36th National Games”. Sports Minister Umesh Patel said “She demonstrated her exceptional sports talent and achieved success, giving a tough time to her opponent Malvika Bansod. It is a proud moment for the State”. The Chief Minister and Sports Minister wished Aakarshi for her future endeavours. In the 36th National Games held in Gujarat, the players of Chhattisgarh have won 7 medals so far. This includes two gold, three silver and two bronze medals. It is worth mentioning that Amitesh Mishra won the gold medal in the skating event. All the office bearers of the State Badminton Association and Sports Director Shweta Sinha also congratulated Aakarshi for winning gold medal. Aakarshi has expressed gratitude to the State Government, Sports and Youth Welfare Department, Chhattisgarh Olympic Association and Chhattisgarh Badminton Association for their support.