Shuttler Malvika Bansod settles for bronze at US Open Super 300 tournament

NAGPUR: Star city shuttler Malvika Bansod bowed out of the US Open Super 300 badminton tournament with her head held high after winning a bronze medal at Fort Worth, Texas, on Sunday.
With Malvika’s exit, the Indian Challenge in the US Open came to an end but the 23-year-old Nagpur shuttler became the third woman shuttler after Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu to record a podium finish in the BWF World Tour Super 300 tournament for the second time.In 2022, Malvika had won a silver medal during the Syed Modi India International Super 300 tournament after losing to eventual champion Sindhu.
Even without the support of the Indian government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Malvika registered a podium finish in a Super 300 tournament. In January this year, Malvika had won the Azerbaijan International challenge.
In a thrilling semifinal at Texas, Malvika went down fighting against Japan’s sixth seed Natsuki Nidaira 16-21, 13-21 in 43 minutes. Malvika’s entry into the semifinal after defeating Commonwealth champion Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland on Saturday assured her a bronze medal.
In a chat with TOI Malvika said, “I am on a learning curve and happy that I could earn a bronze medal for my nation. I shall overcome the difficulties and will return as a stronger player. Each of my opponents were very seasoned players trained by the world’s best coaches including legendary Peter Gade. The drift at Texas made it difficult but I adjusted to it match by match.”
She added, “My match against Natsuki was very intense but I needed to have some more luck and a bit of a favourable court condition. On my maiden tour to the US Open I am glad to earn the third position. I am determined to iron out my flaws and come back stronger in time to come.”
On the requisite support from the government, Malvika said, “I managed all the difficulties with blessings from the almighty, my grit, hard work and determination. If TOPS gives me the required support, I should be able to crack it at the highest level.”