City veteran Dhand adds another medal to his kitty

LUDHIANA: A veteran badminton player from Ludhiana, Arun Dhand, added another medal to his kitty when he secured silver medal in the 102nd edition of the All-England Seniors Badminton Championship-2018 held from April 13 to 15 at Hail Field in the United Kingdom.

Former badminton players celebrate Arun Dhand’s achievement with him in Ludhiana on Monday. Photo: Inderjeet Verma

Anil Datt

Ludhiana, April 23

A veteran badminton player from Ludhiana, Arun Dhand, added another medal to his kitty when he secured silver medal in the 102nd edition of the All-England Seniors Badminton Championship-2018 held from April 13 to 15 at Hail Field in the United Kingdom.

With half a dozen gold medals under his belt, Arun Dhand, former state and national champion, took part in this championship in England in the plus 60 category and stamped his superiority. He wrapped up all his matches convincingly before conceding the final due to foot injury and had to content with silver medal.

Arun began his campaign in style with an easy victory over his opponent from England. He overwhelmed Denis Cleary in straight sets 21-12 and 21-9 to sound a warning for others.

In the second encounter, Arun overpowered Then Lin Ong from Malaysia. He faced challenge in the opening set before winning it 21-19 but raced to win the second one 21-14 to complete the rout. The victory also fetched him a berth in the knock-out stage.

In the quarterfinal, Arun Dhand tamed his rival, Trevor Hampson of the UK, 21-15, 21-19 to storm into the last-four stage. In the semifinal, he proved too good for Soren Christensen of Denmark whom he outwitted 21-12, 21-14 to assure himself a place in the title clash.

In the summit clash, Arun was pitted against Christer Forsgren from Sweden. Despite an injury, Arun Dhand decided to compete and waged a spirited battle before losing the first set narrowly 19-21.

However, in the next game, Arun could not withstand the agony and opted to concede the game. Arun was trailing 2-13 when he gave up the match and had to content with the second position.

Arun was honoured on his arrival on Monday. He was felicitated by the badminton fraternity at the local Sutlej Club for his outstanding achievement.

Arun expressed gratitude towards his co-players for their gesture. He praised his practice partner, Sunny Birdi with whom Arun exercised daily at the PAU and did match practice at the club courts.Arun hoped he would recover by the next week, well before the upcoming International Masters Championship slated to be held in Dubai from May 6 to 13.