VASCO
Goa’s number one badminton player Anjana Kumari of Vasco has broken into the top-200 rankings at the Badminton World Federation (BWF), after reaching her career-best 198th in the latest BWF rankings list.
Anjana was in Europe to participate in international badminton tournaments in Portugal, Slovenia and Austria.
She participated at the Portugal International from May 6-9, but did not perform well and bowed out before reaching the main draw.
Then, Anjana travelled to Slovenia to participate in the Slovenia International Tournament from May 19-22.
She played in the main draw, but lost to the tournament’s 8th seed Vivien Sandorhazi of Hungary.
Anjana then proceeded to Graz in Austria to participate in the Austrian International Tournament from May 27-30. Anjana lost in the first round of the main draw to Austrian player Katrin Neudolt in three sets.
Speaking from Austria on her way back to India, Anjana said she was not happy with her performance in these tournaments.
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic situation in India, I could not get much time for practice. Initially, I found it difficult to adjust in European conditions and did not perform to my expectations.”
“That said, I got good exposure and played with quality players in these tournaments. By playing in these tournaments, I gained confidence in myself and this will help me in my future preparations and tournaments,” said Anjana.
Before departing for these three tournaments, Anjana said she had set a target to break into the top-200 and to reach somewhere around the 150-170 rank.
“However due to my average performance, I could not reach this rank, but I am satisfied I could at least manage to reach in the top 200 rank.”
“In the latest released BWF rankings list, I am now ranked 198th, which is also my best rankings so far.”
“I am hopeful that by end of August or September, I may be able to reach somewhere around 125-150 rank, if tournaments are not be cancelled or postponed on account of the Covid pandemic.”
Anjana thanked the management of a reputed corporate house in the State, who had helped her participate in the three tournaments.
“I also like to thank Sarfaraz Alam, Secretary of Bihar Foundation (Goa Chapter) and other members of the foundation who also helped me. I hope to get the same support for my upcoming tournaments also.”
