Khel Vikas shuttlers gain valuable experience at state level badminton tournament

Four Khel Vikas athletes at the State level badminton championship in Dhenkanal

On the 19th and 21st December, Coach Krishna accompanied four khel vikas athletes to Dhenkanal to play in their first ever badminton tournament. This was a fantastic achievement for them to be competition ready considering they had been training for less than one year and the competitors were three years older.

It was the indoor U-19 State Badminton Doubles Competition. The first doubles pair of Sushanta Mallik and Nabina Millik were placed against the local champions. Despite their best efforts, they came away empty handed. However, what they did come away with was match experience which allowed them to grow as athletes and learn from the other athletes, some of which were of national calibre.

The second doubles pair included Gorachand Mandal and Giridhas Badamundi. Both boys played extremely well and although their inexperience did show at times they came away with some valuable lessons. Badamundi was also praised by some of the other coaches and was recognised to have the potential to be the next state player for Odisha.

Coach Krishna was incredibly proud of his athletes "both pairs demonstrated a positive attitude throughout the entire event and have gained an increased awareness of what it will takes to reach the next level".

The Khel Vikas shuttlers came away with valuable knowledge which will aid them to excel in the future. Coach Krishna and the players are looking forward to going back to the practice courts and working hard to be ready for the next competition in January.