All you need to know about youngster Malvika Bansod

The left-hander took up the sport at just eight years of age.

Young Indian shuttlers have started to deliver huge statements with their sheer talent in the world of badminton. Not only have they shown their potential at the big events, but they have also showcased their dedication while performing. One such player is India’s Malvika Bansod.

The 20-year-old left-hander from Maharashtra took up the sport at just eight years of age. Malvika Bansod played her first major senior-level tournament at the BWF Sudirman Cup 2021 in September.

She then, she played in the Thomas and Uber Cup in the following month. Her performances at both the tournaments were satisfactory, as she showed great fighting spirit in every match.

Stunned Saina Nehwal in India Open

Malvika Bansod started 2022 with some great performances in the India Open. Her creativity unfolded in the tournament, as she played attacking badminton in every match. She stunned the former winner of the competition and her compatriot, Saina Nehwal with a top-notch performance in straight games. A win against one of her idols and someone who is considered as one of the greatest pillars of Indian badminton, surely boosted her confidence.

Reached final of Syed Modi India International

In the very next tournament at the Syed Modi India International 2022, the left-hander had a comfortable run. She easily reached the finals, where she got to meet her other idol PV Sindhu. Malvika Bansod played one of the best matches of her life. She ensured that the two-time Olympic medalist don't take her for granted in that match. Although, the young gun couldn’t win the tournament, she won the hearts of many people.

First international tournament

Malvika Bansod played her first international tournament at the junior level back in 2015. Since then, she has played in various junior-level tournaments. In 2018, she was a winner at the South Asian Regional U-21 Championship in both individual and team categories.

In the year 2019, she won the All India Junior Ranking Tournament as well as the All India Senior Ranking Tournament. Her major achievement came at the Bulgarian International Championship, where she got the bronze medal.

Senior-level tournaments

Her senior-level achievements haven’t been small either. Malvika Basod won her maiden international tournament on debut at the Maldives International Future Series. In that tournament, she did not even lose a game against any of her opponents on the way to the title. Bansod's very next tournament at the Annapurna Nepal International Challenge got her another title by beating compatriot Gayatri Gopichand in the final.

She had a few ups and downs with a lot of early exits in a few tournaments in 2021. But, right before her Sudirman Cup selection, she bounced back. At the Lithuanian International tournament, the young left-hander showed great spirit to secure the title.

Improvement in BWF World Rankings.

Malvika Bansod has played a total of two events on the BWF World Tour. All of them have been conducted in 2022. Her great performances at the India Open Super 500 and Syed Modi Super 300 tournaments helped her take a giant leap with 10990 points, to reach No. 67 in the BWF World Rankings.

It also became her career-best ranking. The shuttler from Nagpur was earlier placed at 111th a few weeks ago. This means that in just a matter of a few weeks, young Malvika Bansod has registered her name among some of the world’s best. Her progressive approach will be something to really look forward to, as she rises in the rankings and plays against many more big players on the women’s singles circuit.

The time is not far when Malvika Bansod’s name will be counted with the likes of PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal. This would strengthen the foundation of India in the world of badminton.

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