All England: Bansod, Sen Cross Opening Hurdle
Weaned on stories about the YONEX All England ever since she was 11, Malvika Bansod couldn’t quite express what it felt to win a match on her debut at the world’s oldest tournament. That she beat Yeo Jia Min – who,…
· TEXY BY DEV SUKUMAR
Weaned on stories about the YONEX All England ever since she was 11, Malvika Bansod couldn’t quite express what it felt to win a match on her debut at the world’s oldest tournament. That she beat Yeo Jia Min – who, just two weeks ago, had won the YONEX German Open 2024 – made it so much sweeter for the world No.28. Just last week, in the opening round of the Orleans Masters, Bansod had retired with stomach cramps.
“It’s amazing and it’s an honour to be part of history,” said the 23-year-old. “This is the most prestigious badminton tournament in the world. I don’t have words to describe how happy I am to have this amazing debut, to beat the German Open champion… I’m really happy. The tournament continues, and I want to keep my focus for the next match.
“It felt amazing (to enter the arena). I wanted to be part of the atmosphere and deliver my best. I started playing badminton when I was nine, and then I got aware of the All England when I was 11 or 12. Back then Ratchanok (Intanon) was then the world champion… since then I’ve wondered what it would be like to be part of the All England, and now it’s amazing to have played here and won, and that too against such a tough opponent.”