GUWAHATI: In a feat for Assam’s badminton, Isharani Baruah emerged as the sole Indian qualifier in women’s singles at the ongoing Guwahati Masters Super 100 Badminton Tournament at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati.
Isharani’s exceptional performance on the court against compatriot Shriyanshi Valishetty and Indonesia’s Deswanti Nurtertiati in the qualifying rounds earned her the slot.
Recently, the rising badminton star from Assam played a crucial role in securing the women’s team gold for the state at the recently concluded National Games in Goa.
Expressing her joy, Isharani thanked friends and well-wishers, and stressed on how special it will be to play in a Super 100 event hosted in her home state.
“From now on, the matches would be tough. But I am from Assam, and it is the first time a Super 100 event is being held here, I am hoping for support from my friends and well-wishers,” Isharani was quoted as saying by the press.
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In the upcoming main draw, Isharani is against third seed, Sung Shuo Yun of Chinese Taipei.
The Guwahati Masters Super 100, recognised by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), holds significant weight in the world rankings, surpassing the Challengers level in BWF Tour that Guwahati had hosted in 2007.
The tournament will witness participation from 318 players representing 20 countries, competing for top honours across various categories. Guwahati, after a hiatus of 15 years, serves as the host city for international badminton, with the last event held in 2007.
Ishani’s qualification comes in the inaugural edition of the Series, featuring a substantial prize pool of US$100,000 and classified as a BWF Tour Super 100 event.
The Prakash Padukone Academy trainee has been aspiring to secure a spot in the Indian team next year.
