Rising Indian badminton star Malvika Bansod’s remarkable run at the Hylo Open Super 300 tournament culminated in a valiant runner-up finish, as she narrowly missed out on the title against Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt. The 23-year-old southpaw, who had impressed throughout the tournament with notable victories, ultimately fell short in the final, losing 10-21, 15-21 to the experienced Dane.
Bansod’s journey to the final was marked by a series of impressive performances. She overcame the challenge of fourth seed Nguyen Thuy Linh of Vietnam in the quarterfinals, showcasing her determination and skill. However, in the final, she faced a formidable opponent in Blichfeldt, who proved too strong on the day.
The opening game saw Blichfeldt capitalize on Bansod’s errors, establishing a commanding lead of 17-10. The Danish shuttler’s precise shots and aggressive play proved too much for Bansod, who struggled to find her rhythm. Blichfeldt ultimately closed out the game with ease, leaving Bansod with a mountain to climb.
Undeterred, Bansod fought back in the second game, even taking an early lead of 11-8. However, Blichfeldt’s powerful cross-court smashes proved too difficult to handle. The Dane equalized at 12-all and then captured five consecutive points to secure the title.
Despite the defeat, Bansod’s performance at the Hylo Open Super 300 is a testament to her growing talent and potential. This was her second appearance in a major final, having previously reached the title round of the Syed Modi India International in 2022.
In September, Bansod made headlines by upsetting Paris Olympics bronze medallist Gregoria Mariska Tunjung in the opening round of the China Open Super 100. Her quarterfinal exit in that tournament was a minor setback, but it only served to fuel her determination to improve.
Bansod’s impressive run at the Hylo Open Super 300 has undoubtedly raised her profile in the badminton world. She is now ranked 50th in the world and is poised to make further strides in the coming months. With her talent, determination, and unwavering spirit, Bansod is a rising star to watch in the world of badminton.
