12-year-old Ludhiana shuttler bags bronze medal

Ludhiana's emerging badminton sensation Rabbiguel Anji added another feather to his cap with a bronze medal in the boys’ singles under-13 category at the All India Sub-Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament.

The tournament concluded in Goa on Sunday.

Currently the ninth ranked players in his age category across India, the 12-year-old shuttler from Jagraon displayed exceptional temperament, stamina and attacking flair throughout the tournament.

His run ended in the semifinals after a gripping three-set battle against India number 5 Ishmeet Arora from Madhya Pradesh.

In a match that kept spectators on edge till the final point, Rabbiquel fought valiantly before narrowly losing 22-24, 21-19, 15-21. Despite the defeat, his fearless display earned admiration from coaches, officials and followers of the sport.

The bronze medal marks yet another milestone in a journey already filled with achievements. Rabbiguel, a student of Harvest International School, Jassowal Kular (Jagraon), is the reigning Punjab champion in the under-13 boys’ singles group, and has maintained an unbeaten reputation at the state level for the past three years.

Beginning with the under-11 state title in 2024, Rabbiguel got the under-13 crown in 2025 and 2026, underlining his dominance in junior badminton,

His journey has been shaped at Arena Badminton Academy, Ludhiana, where he trains under coaches Anusha Tiwari and Anand Tiwari. Their mentoring, coupled with Rabbiguel’s dedication, transformed him into one of the most promising young sporting stars in the state.

“With age on his side and determination in his heart, Rabbiguel is destined for bigger stages ahead. For the state’s badminton, a new star is on the rise,” said coach Tiwari.