Ritika-Navaneeth claims bronze

 

 

RITIKA Thaker and Navaneeth Bokka claimed their first medal at an international tournament in mixed doubles category at the Uganda International at Kampala. Ritika and Navaneeth beat Yeseri Kisa and Marium Musika in straight games with the score reading 21-6, 21-5. In the quarter-finals, the Indian duo got better of Agil Gabilov and Era Maftuha of Azerbaijan in straight games 21-18, 21-10. In the semi-finals, they faced Malaysian pair of Andy Kok and Loh Wie, the Indians lost the first game 21-14 they then made amends to level the score by wining second game 21-16.

 

The third game turned out to be a see-saw battle where Ritika and Navaneeth were leading 17-15 at one point but failed to convert their chances and lost 21-18. Ritika said she was happy to win her first medal at international level in mixed doubles but surely would have been happier with the yellow metal. Elaborating further, she said they have pointed out a few flaws in their game which they would iron out once they get back to practice in India. She plays Egypt International next starting October 9 at Cairo. Ritika and Navaneeth both practice at Suchitra Academy, Hyderabad.