PU shuttlers claim 3rd successive gold

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 9  

Panjab University shuttlers beat Andhra University 3-0 to win the third successive All-India Inter-University Badminton Championship title, at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, today.  

Defending champions took an early lead with skipper Kawaldeep Singh rallying from a game down to beat Andhra University’s Chander 17-21 21-15 21-13. 

Kartik Jindal outclassed Aneeth 21-13 21-14 to give the side a 2-0 lead before Kawaldeep combined with Hardik Makkar to overcome Chander and Aneeth to complete the rout. 

Earlier, in the semifinals, PU boys registered a 3-0 win over Delhi University. Kawaldeep humbled Sahaj Minhas 21-15 21-13, while Jindal came back from a game down to beat Kaustubh 19-21 21-7 22-20. In the doubles category, Kawaldeep and Makkar defeated Sahaj and Chiraj 22-20 24-22 to help the side into the final. 

Skipper Kawaldeep Singh and Kartik Jindal played a key role in the team’s success. The duo did not lose even a single match in tournament and helped their side maintain a clean slate.

Kawaldeep was also declared the Best Player of the tournament. 

"It was a great experience. Our team outclassed all the rivals with a 3-0 margin. The team was in great shape and the players are now fit to appear in the World University Games. The third successive gold medal showcases the strength of city shuttlers," said coach Surinder Mahajan.

Squad

Kawaldeep Singh, Kartik Jindal, Hardik Makkar, Ayush Gautam, Anant Shivam Jindal, Abhishek Saini, Lalit Dahiya, Vikram Saini (manager), Surinder Mahajan (coach)