Rising Karnataka badminton expertise Rujula Ramu is ready to debut for India u-19 at the prestigious Badminton Asia Junior Championships in July in Indonesia.
The 17-year-old sealed her place straight by way of a match victory – the Yonex Sunrise All India Junior Ranking Badminton match right here just lately – bypassing the want for trials, underscoring her present kind.
“The winner would directly get selected. I was anxious, a little tense as well. After I won, everything felt better. I was very happy,” an elated Rujula advised The Hindu.
Rujula’s journey started when she was seven, with badminton evolving from an off-the-cuff household exercise. Her dad and mom fostered her ardour whereas permitting her to embrace the sport on her phrases.
“From the day I started, there was no pressure from them. They just said ‘as long as you like it, play it’. They’re very supportive… even motivating. They never said you have to win this tournament or that [tournament],” she added.
Rujula attributed her constant performances to a rigorous coaching routine, usually involving three classes – two centered on enjoying and one on health. This strategy ought to facilitate her transition from the junior ranks into senior competitions and assist sustain her attacking game.
“I am an aggressive player. I really like these cross-court drops from my forehand side as well as the backhand side,” Rujula mentioned.
A pre-university scholar at Reva University, Rujula is the India No. 1 in the u-19 class and is ranked fifth amongst the seniors. In March 2025, she demonstrated her worldwide prowess as properly by securing the silver medal at the German Juniors.
“I hadn’t played so many internationals. It was my first time against all of these guys [top-tier players from Malaysia, China, and Japan]. I started really well. And that continued throughout,” Rujula said.
Looking forward, the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy trainee’s short-term aspirations embrace robust performances at the Asian juniors and being chosen for the World juniors.
“Long-term goal has to be the Olympics. The Olympics, World Championships, and the Commonwealth Games…” she emphasised.
For this, Rujula can draw inspiration from stars like P.V. Sindhu and Ashwini Ponnappa.
“Looking at her [Sindhu] train… although she’s achieved so much, she still works with the same intensity. It motivates me to do better,” Rujula signed off.
Published – June 16, 2025 09:03 pm IST
