Senior Player Rankings: Nagpur’s Vaishnavi, Rasika, and Mugdha in top 8

Three Nagpur shuttlers, Vaishnavi Bhale, Rasika Raje, and Mugdha Agrey bagged the spots in the top-8 women’s singles category in India according to the latest rankings released by the Badminton Association of India (BAI).  

Vaishnavi Bhale jumped to No. 5, Rasika Raje at No. 6 and Mugdha at the career-best No. 8 in the latest rankings.

Malvika Bansod, who marked herself as the youngest women’s singles champion in the All India Senior Ranking tournament at Bareilly, a few months ago, booked the berth at No. 20.

Vaishnavi contented about the rank, said, “I’m very happy for being at no. 5. Previously, I have been into top 10 but could not break into top 5. I would like to credit my coach, Kiran Makode, for his support. My confidence is boosted and now I’m aspiring to be No. 1,” as quoted by TOI.

While, No. 1 spot is grabbed by the Goan Anura Prabhudesai. For several months, Arundhati Pantawane remained at the India’s top spot around five years ago.  

Rasika Raje, a trainee at the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, is doing well on the international platform as well. While, the 19-year-old Mugdha Agrey has impressive performances with the consistency in the last season.