Sports Journalists’ Association (SJAN) honoured city shuttlers Malvika Bansod and Ritika Thaker for their selection in the Indian team for the forthcoming Asian Junior Badminton Championship to be held at China from July 20 to 28.
SJAN president Kishor Bagde and secretary Suhas Nayse welcomed the shuttlers by presenting mementos. While interacting with media persons at SJAN office on Wednesday Malvika who will lead girls team in the said tournament said, ” I have never thought about the captainship. But now there is a sense of responsibility and we will have to perform to live to the expectations of the country. I will try to deliver my best and win the medal for the country”, she said.
Another city shuttler and doubles specialist Ritika Thaker also echoed the same views. ” I will be playing mixed doubles in the team event and women doubles in the individual. I’m hopeful to win the medal for the country”, she said.
Asked about the challenges in the said event Malvika said, ” In fact all the Asian countries is equally tough but I think we will face tough challenge from China”, she said.
About Olympics Malvika said, ” It is an aim of every player to go for Olympics. More than 2020, I am aiming for 2024 Olympics”, she said.
About her mixed doubles partner Dingku Singh Ritika said, ” I have good partnership with Dingku Singh. We play without any practice and in future also I wish to play with him. Off the court, we are all same because we have a zeal to play”, she said.
NDBA president Mangesh Kashikar, joint secretary Bhavna Agrey, executive member Gurdeep Singh Arora, VHA joint secretary Pramod Jain and the parents of both the shuttlers were present on the occasion.
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