Malvika defeats Paris Olympic medalist Tongrong at China Open

The 22-year-old Indian, ranked 43rd in the world, showed tremendous courage to beat the world number seven Indonesian 26-24 21-19 in 46 minutes after saving three game points in the first set, the biggest win of her career.
Malvika, who is studying B.Sc. in Computer Science from SRM University, Chennai, will next face two-time Commonwealth Games medallist Christy Gilmore of Scotland.

She was the lone bright spot in the Indian women’s singles competition, with compatriots Akash Kashyap and Samia Imad Farooqui eliminated in the first round. Akash lost to Chiu Pin-Chien of Chinese Taipei 15-21 19-21, while Samia lost to Gilmore 9-21 7-21 in a one-sided contest.
In other results from India, women’s doubles pair Theresa Jolly/Gopichand lost to Chinese Taipei’s Hsieh Pei-shan/Hong En-zi 21-16, 15-21, 17-21.

The mixed doubles pair of B Sumeeth Reddy and N Sikki Reddy lost to Malaysia’s Tan Kian Meng and Lai Pei Jing 10-21, 16-21.
Malvika, a left-handed badminton player from Nagpur, moved to the senior international circuit in 2019, winning the Maldives International and finishing runner-up in the Syed Modi International in 2022. She was in good form this year, winning the Azerbaijan International.

Malvika, who is coached by former India junior head coach Sanjay Mishra, made headlines when she defeated 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal at the 2022 India Open to break into the world’s top 30.
However, health problems hampered her progress as she contracted dengue fever and typhoid after participating in the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year.

After recovering, Malvika continued to face top-ranked players in the early rounds of the World Tour. Despite early exits, she still managed to maintain her position in the world’s top 50. She battled hard against players such as world number one Akane Yamaguchi and former world champion Nozomi Okuhara.
Malvika is currently training with coach Shrikant Vad at Thane Badminton Academy and is constantly improving her skills.
“This is her biggest win and she is very happy. She has been doing well but lacks experience and sometimes luck,” her mother Trupti told PTI.
“Sanjay sir was like a father to her but ever since he became the BAI secretary, it was difficult for us to find someone to replace him.” (Agency)