NAGPUR: As the city gears up to host its maiden international badminton event — International Badminton Challenge 2022 — local talent Malvika Bansod, being the top seed, would hope for a podium finish. Playing in her backyard would be an added boost for the city star when the tournament kickstarts from Tuesday.
This tourney would serve as a good opportunity for world No. 47 Malvika, whose World Championship campaign ended in the first round on August 23. Similar opportunities are on offer for emerging stars of the city namely Ritika Thaker, Ananya Durugkar, Hriday Deshmukh, Shruti Chokhandre, Ajinkya Patharkar, Simran Singhi and Akshan Shetty.