Odisha sisters Rutaparna Panda and Swetaparna Panda will script history when they become the first pair of women shuttlers from the State to make their debut in the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championships, scheduled to be held at the Utilita Arena in Birmingham, England from 12 to 17 March 2024.

The Cuttack-based duo has qualified to compete in the women’s doubles event on the basis of their current world ranking of 51. They will meet Japanese pair of Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi (World Rank 13) in the first round. It may be noted that Late Sanat Mishra was first shuttler from Odisha to compete in the All England Open in 1980.

Former cadets of Pullela Gopichand Academy, Rutaparna and Swetaparna have been growing as a good doubles combination, winning four international titles and around 10 medals since 2022.

Being the elder sister, 24-year-old Rutaparna has more experience, while 18-year-old Swetaparna is endowed with youthful exuberance. Winning the first-round match against the formidable Japanese pair would be a herculean task for the Odisha siblings. But it would certainly be a memorable debut for the Pandas if they are able to give the Iwanaga and Nakanishi a good run for their money.

Of course, just competing in the oldest badminton tournament of the world will be a valuable experience for the Odisha shuttlers and further boost their confidence. The duo has expressed its gratitude to the State Government for financing their participation in the All England Open, which was upgraded to Super Series Premier status in 2011.