Badminton champ makes city proud

I started playing badminton with my father at the Army stadium. He has been my coach and mentor. It was he who encouraged me to join badminton coaching classes. And I attribute all my success to his encouragement and support," says 12-year-old Archana, a National level Badminton player. Bringing laurels to her parents, this little girl has won a number of competitions in 2011 and has set her sights even higher this year. 
 
Routine
Archana  practices daily at Rail Nilayam but she is very particular about studying everyday as well.
"Math and science are my favorite subjects. I want to concentrate on studies as my ranks in school are also very important" she says". But, whenever I am free I practice badminton. When I am at home, I use the wall for practice, as I want to be perfect with my shots," she adds. 

Future plans
"I want to be the best player from my city where ever and whichever tournament I participate in.  I also want to be an international player soon and make my county proud."
 Archana is ranked as a state level champion in the under- 17 age group. She still has a long way to go to reach the international arena but she is getting there one sure step at a time. 
 
Achievements
Archana was the runners up at the zone wise competition held for South zone, organized  by DA V Public School, Kukatpally.
She again reached the runners-up spot at the Nationals event, held at Dhanbad this December. And was runners up in the 'under 14' Girls championship in the CBSE National Badminton championship. 183 teams from CBSE schools across India and Gulf countries participated in this prestigious Championship. 

--Ruchikka Karda