Rising Odisha star Rutaparna Panda and her new partner Tanisha Crasto of Goa, won the women doubles event in the National Selection Trials for the upcoming Sudirman Cup, Thomas and Uber Cup today. The four-day trials were conducted by Badminton Association of India (BAI) at Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad from August 28 to 31.

Rutaparna and Tanisha posted a sensational 21-14, 21-19 win over reigning national champion pair of Shikha Gautam and K Ashwini Bhat in the final. Earlier during the league stage, the Odisha-Goa duo stunned India international stars Ashwini Ponappa and N Sikki Reddy 21-18, 21-18 to top their group and qualify for the final.

World No 28 Ashwini Ponappa and N Sikki Reddy finished second, while Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand were placed third in the final rankings. India No 1 combination of Shikha Gautam and K Ashwini Bhat finished fourth. A total of 10 pairs participated in women doubles trial.

The prestigious Sudirman Cup Mixed Team Championship will be held in Vantaa, Finland from September 26 to October 3. This will be followed by Thomas and Uber Cup in Aarhus, Denmark from October 9-17, 2021.
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PHOTO: Rutaparna Panda and Tanisha Crasto after winning the women doubles event at the National Selection Trials in Hyderabad on 31 August, 2021.