India's No. 2 Malvika Bansod badminton champion and an I year B.Tech student of SRM Institute of Science and Technology, has won the gold in the RSL Lithuanian International Badminton tournament in Kaunas, Lithuania.
The four-day Future Series tournament was organized by the Lithuanian Badminton Federation and Third seed Malvika Bansod outclassed Ireland's Rachael Darragh 21-14, 21-11 in the final. A fastest-rising Indian shuttler, this 19-year-old dominated fourth seed Darragh in a 29-minute encounter.
Speaking after her victory stroke, Malvika said, "I am delighted to win this tournament. I played with good consistency and could execute my game as per the plan. This is my second gold medal after the Uganda International Series. I want to thank my mentor, my guide, and my coach Sanjay Mishra sir for training me in such a challenging COVID situation. I thank my practice partner, each and everyone at the Police Parade Academy, Raipur for all their efforts. It is God's grace that I could participate in this tournament and perform well. Many thanks to my sponsors VIL Mr. Arun Lakhani of Go Sports Foundation and TOPS. Many thanks to MBA, NDBA, District sports office for their constant support. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my Institution SRMIST for their cooperation."
It may be recalled that earlier this year in March, Malvika won the Uganda International title. She has also made it to the quarter-finals of the Austrian Open a couple of weeks ago.
We at SRMIST are proud to have Malvika Bansod as our student. The Chancellor and Pro Chancellors wish her all the best in her journey forward.
