Goa set to have its first player to represent India for the International tournament

Anura Prabhudesai, 19 year old from Goa is the first player to represent Indian team for the Grand prix tournament in Vietnam.

“Anura has been selected to be part of the senior ladies Indian team for the Grand prix tournament in Vietnam,” BAI official told The Navhind Times. Anura’s coach, Arvind Bhat, White Peacock Badminton Academy, said, “Anura has the height, age and is hard working. She can reach great heights if she persists. She joined the academy a few months back and we are working on her physical fitness.”

World No. 168 Anura, said, 

“I use my height to get power into my smashes and like to dribble at the net,” admits Anura.

“Since being part of seniors I have learnt to improve myself mentally and am now more restrained in my approach. I am learning to be more consistent in court,” she added. Anura’s long suit is her smashes and net plays.

“I do not know the reasons why she was not physically fit. Getting her fit is our priority now,” says Arvind. She is also being monitored by former international player Vinod Kumar.

“My coaches are developing my leg strength. I am being put through special leg exercises. Strong legs stop a player from wobbling on court,” explains Anura.

“If she is down by one or many points, she is not the type to give up. She is a fighter and this attitude will help her in the long run,” says Arvind.

“If she is down by one or many points, she is not the type to give up. She is a fighter and this attitude will help her in the long run,” says Arvind. 

“I never give up. I fight till the last. It is only after I have lost that the game is over for me. Otherwise, I always play with the hope that I will recover and win. That has been my spirit from the beginning,” accepts Anura.

“Anura played her last finals in Pune against a competitor who has a higher international ranking. She is just fourth behind Sidhu. So we were not really surprised by her defeat. The idea is to get her into more international tournaments so as to enhance her exposure,” says Arvind.

Anura’s sister Sanjana has been her manager in finding tournaments she can participate in and making all her arrangements.

“I think my defense will improve when I gain more stability in my footing. The stronger I become, the quicker will I be and more consistent. I know that within a few years I will be able to participate in the All England Championship. This is one post I will reach in my badminton career,” said Anura.