Odisha’s sportsmen and sportswomen have always been Odisha’s pride, bringing the state uncountable laurels and accolades over the years. The good news seems to be in an unending spate, as ace shuttler Pramod Bhagat won double gold in Uganda Para-Badminton International 2019.
Domestically, too, Rutuparna Panda clinched the mixed doubles title, and finished runners up in Women’s Doubles, pairing with Dhruv Kapila and Kayura Mopaty respectively, in the All-India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament held in Bangalore.
Pramod Bhagat, who hails from Bargarh in Odisha, had also staked claim to the gold medal in the 5th Turkish Para-Badminton International – ENES Cup 2019, which was held from March 24th to March 30th this year.
In a positive development, India dominated the Uganda Para-Badminton International, returning home with a rich haul of twenty-seven medals, which comprises of eleven gold, 8 silver, and eight bronze medals. This is also incidentally the highest-ever medal tally by an Indian contingent that participated in any para-badminton events held so far.
The journey has been equally exhilarating for Rutuparna, who as recently as last week had won the doubles crown in the All India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament, held in Kozhikode.