In a breakthrough moment for Indian badminton, emerging player Sathish Kumar Karunakaran stamped his mark on the circuit by clinching his maiden BWF Tour title at the recently concluded Odisha Masters 2023 in Cuttack.
Sathish showcased his prowess in an intense Men’s Singles final, defeating Ayush Shetty with a scoreline of 21-18, 19-21, and 21-14. This victory adds another feather to Sathish’s cap after an already impressive season, securing Singles titles at India International in Bangalore and Raipur, along with a runner-up finish at the Maldives International Series.
In a thrilling match that extended over an hour, Sathish emerged triumphant against Ayush Shetty, a bronze medalist at the 2023 World Junior Championships. The win underscores Sathish’s remarkable growth in recent years, evident in his consistent performances across international competitions, catapulting his world ranking from 508 to 51.
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Expressing his joy, Sathish remarked, “It is always special to win your first BWF Tour title. I have had a good year, and finishing the year with a title makes it even more special. I would like to thank my coach, Ajit sir, for his constant support and for making me improve my game every day. I am much more confident about my game.”
Hailing from Chennai, the 22-year-old Sathish Kumar had initially made a mark in the junior circuit, securing a bronze medal at the Junior Korea Open and the Junior National Championships in 2019. He contributed to the Indian team in the 2019 World Junior Championships and Asian Championships.
Under the guidance of former Indian international Ajit Wijetilekk, Sathish honed his skills and techniques. In a departure from the norm, he chose to elevate his game through domestic-level tournaments rather than the junior international stage. In 2021, Sathish reached the final of an international tournament at Ukraine International, finishing as the runner-up. The momentum continued into 2022 when he clinched his first international title in Cameroon.
Sathish Kumar Karunakaran’s journey from Chennai to global recognition is a testament to his dedication, strategic choices, and a string of impressive performances that have now culminated in his well-deserved BWF Tour success.
-IANS
