Ashmita Chaliha – India’s rising shuttler
Ashmita Chaliha’s story is one of remarkable transformation. From a sheltered and introverted life in Guwahati, she has risen to become an ambitious competitor on the international badminton stage. This journey has seen her move from rationalising her losses as unavoidable to fighting tooth and nail for every point against top-tier opponents. Ashmita’s rise to prominence Chaliha first gained attention at the 2019 Guwahati Nationals. Her aggressive southpaw style of play caught the eye of Morten Frost, a Danish badminton legend in attendance. This marked the beginning of her ascent in the sport. However, her rise to prominence was not devoid of personal quirks and comforts that kept her grounded. Back home, Ashmita’s mother, Geetali Chaliha, has a minor gripe: every time Ashmita returns from an international tournament, she brings back fridge magnets as souvenirs. But Ashmita’s real effort in souvenir shopping is reserved for Eddy, the family’s beloved dog, who gets the best toys from Hamleys. Life in Guwahati Growing up, Ashmita led a quiet, comfortable life in Guwahati. Her days revolved around her twin passions: badminton and her dogs. Two years ago, her routine included rigorous training sessions, albeit in the familiar and somewhat cushy environment of her hometown. She enjoyed her time playing racing video games and indulging in her favourite foods like prawns, lobster, mango rice, and chicken rolls, all conveniently delivered via food apps. Family vacations and Durga Puja celebrations in Sukhsagar, West Bengal, added a festive touch to her otherwise tranquil life. Despite this seemingly laid-back lifestyle, Ashmita’s potential was undeniable. As she began to compete internationally, she realised that her talent and hard work could take her far beyond the boundaries of her hometown. No longer content with merely participating, she started to dig deeper, showing a determination to win and improve constantly. The evolving mindset Ashmita’s transformation is not just about her improved performance on the court but also about her evolving mindset. She no longer views losses against big names as inevitable but as opportunities to learn and grow. Her journey from being a content and introverted child to a fierce competitor is inspiring. It shows that with the right mix of talent, hard work, and determination, one can rise above comfort zones to achieve greater heights. Today, Ashmita Chaliha stands as a solid proof to the power of ambition and resilience. Her story encourages many young athletes to push their limits and strive for excellence, no matter where they start.
Thailand Open – Chirag and Satwik win Gold
India’s star men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, triumphed at the Thailand Open Super 500 by defeating China’s Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi in the final on Sunday. The Indian duo, ranked third in the world, secured a comfortable 21-15, 21-15 victory over their 29th-ranked opponents in just 46 minutes. This win is a significant boost for the pair as they prepare for the Paris Olympics. Satwik and Chirag’s special bond Satwik and Chirag have a special connection with Bangkok as Chirag mentioned after the match. “Bangkok has always been special for us. We won our first Super Series title back in 2019 here and also the Thomas Cup, so it has been a special place and so happy to be here,” he said. This victory marks their second title of the season. Earlier, they won the French Open Super 750 in March. The pair also performed well at other tournaments, finishing as runners-up at the Malaysia Super 1000 and India Super 750. Challenges and triumphs However, the journey hasn’t been entirely smooth for Satwik and Chirag. They faced challenges in recent tournaments, losing in the second round at the All-England Championships and missing the Asia Championships due to an injury to Satwik. Additionally, their Thomas Cup campaign was less successful, as they lost a few close matches to top-ranked pairs. This win in Thailand is a significant achievement for Satwik and Chirag, coming at a crucial time in their careers. It not only adds another title to their list but also boosts their confidence as they look forward to the upcoming Paris Olympics. The Indian badminton pair continues to make their country proud with their impressive performances on the international stage.
Shuttler Meiraba Maisnam’s Transformation
Meiraba Maisnam, the promising badminton player from Manipur, has been making news at the Thailand Open, impressing fans and coaches alike with his recent performances. Coach Vimal Kumar, who has been closely observing Meiraba’s journey, sheds light on the transformation of the young shuttler. Meiraba’s journey began at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy when he was just 11 years old. Known for his vibrant personality and natural talent on the court, he quickly became a favourite among his peers and coaches. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic brought about a significant change in Meiraba’s demeanour. Vimal Kumar reflects on Meiraba Coach Vimal Kumar recalls how Meiraba, once a cheerful and outgoing child, became withdrawn and deeply religious during the pandemic. Despite his newfound devotion, Vimal encouraged Meiraba to maintain a balance between his faith and his passion for badminton. He reassured him that dedication and hard work would ultimately lead to success, rather than isolation and solemnity. Recently, Meiraba’s dedication and hard work paid off as he secured two consecutive main draw wins at the Thailand Open. His victories against renowned players like HS Prannoy and Mads Christophersen have propelled him into the quarterfinals of a Super 500 tournament for the first time in his career. Meiraba’s change in approach Vimal Kumar attributes Meiraba’s success to a change in his approach over the past three months. He notes that Meiraba appears more relaxed and focused on the court, which has boosted his confidence and performance. However, Vimal also acknowledges that Meiraba’s seriousness and perfectionism could sometimes hinder his game. “People would say he’s not focused, he’s too lazy. But I think he’s become too serious now! And he was never lazy. Those are misconceptions,” Vimal explains. As Meiraba continues to evolve as a player, Vimal Kumar emphasises the importance of finding a balance between dedication and enjoyment in the sport. He believes that Meiraba’s journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, highlighting the significance of perseverance and adaptability in pursuit of one’s dreams.
China trounce Indonesia in Thomas & Uber Cup
China has emerged victorious in both the men’s and women’s categories at the Thomas and Uber Cups, leaving Indonesia in double agony. The Chinese men secured their 11th Thomas Cup by defeating Indonesia 3-1, marking China’s first win since 2018. On the other hand, the Chinese women clinched their record-extending 16th Uber Cup with a flawless 3-0 victory over Indonesia. China’s men’s and women’s team emerge victorious In the men’s event, Shi Yuqi’s dominant performance set the tone for China, overpowering Anthony Ginting in just 43 minutes. Despite Indonesia’s efforts, including Jonatan Christie’s hard-fought win, China sealed the deal in the second doubles, securing the trophy. The Indonesian women faced a similar fate, as China’s He Bingjiao led her team to victory with a perfect tournament record. Chen Yu Fei and her doubles partner, Chen Qingchen, displayed remarkable prowess, leaving Indonesia little chance to retaliate. Reflecting on the win, Chen Yu Fei admitted feeling the pressure but attributed her success to diligent preparation and humility. Similarly, Chen Qingchen emphasized the importance of staying grounded despite expectations of victory. The Redemption The triumph for China marks a redemption after previous setbacks, highlighting the team’s resilience and determination. As He Bingjiao expressed, reclaiming the title brought immense joy after overcoming past failures. Ultimately, China’s dominance in badminton underscores their consistent performance and strategic approach, leaving their opponents with a formidable challenge to overcome in future tournaments.