PROMISING shuttler of the city Shreeansh Naidu won prestigious PNB MetLife Junior Badminton State Championship that concluded at Andheri Sports Club, Mumbai on Friday. The 8-year-old won the boys singles Under-9 title in the five-day event. The championship witnessed participation of numerous talented badminton players from all across the state. Shreeansh, who has made a name for himself both in academics and sports, showcased his exceptional skills and determination on the court, ultimately leading him to this remarkable achievement. 

 

In the all important summit clash, Shreeansh beat Muthiyan Jeet 15-13, 10-15, 15-12. In the semi-finals, Shreeansh defeated Suthar Piyush 15-8, 15-10 after getting better of Lanjewar Riyansh by 11-1, 11-6 in the quarters. In other early round matches, Shreeansh beat Sawant Krishna 11-5, 11-5; Mande Swaroop 11-3, 11-5 and Patansaongikar Ayyan 11-5, 11-7. Shreeansh, a player of Shuttlers Craze Sports Academy, Koradi Naka, practices under the guidance of ISF World School Badminton Championship Indian team coach at France and Badminton World Federation certified coach Chetak Khedikar.

 

Shreeansh received a certificate, trophy, racquet and cash prize. Speaking about his victory, Shreeansh expressed his gratitude to his parents, coaches, and all those who have supported him throughout his journey. Other Nagpur players lost their respective semi-finals. In U-9 girls singles, Aanya Malhotra lost to Kairavi Kulkarni 09-15, 09-15 and Akshita Dorshatwar lost to Priya Amburle 08-15, 10-15. In U-13 girls singles, Vaishnavi Manglekar lost to Pranjal Dedhia 13-15, 12-15 while in U-11 girls singles, Anudhya lost to Hazel Joshi 11-15, 06-15.