South Africa tour of India 2019
City Girl Ruhi Raju Wins Silver in Guatemala Badminton Tournament
Young Hyderabad shuttler Ruhi Raju made India proud by winning a silver medal at the Guatemala International Badminton Tournament. In the final, Ruhi lost 10-21, 15-21 to Colombia’s Juliana Giraldo, but her spirited performance throughout the event won admiration.
Trained under Pradeep Raju, founder of Suchitra Academy, Ruhi entered the tournament after a long competitive break. Her journey was nothing short of inspiring. In the semifinal, she overcame Namie Miyahira of Peru 21-18, 21-17. Earlier, she stunned the top-seeded local favorite Nike Sotomayor in a thrilling three-set quarterfinal, clinching the match 21-23, 21-19, 21-16.
For Ruhi, the medal carried personal significance. “This medal is not just about winning matches; it’s about proving to myself that I can rise again,” she said, joined by fellow Indian player Raunaq, who supported her during the event.
Coach Pradeep Raju expressed immense pride, calling it a historic moment for her comeback. “Watching Ruhi reach the finals in her very first tournament after such a long break is a proud moment for us. It proves her resilience and determination,” he said.
The silver medal has given Ruhi a major morale boost as she eyes bigger international challenges. With more consistency and exposure, she could become one of India’s promising badminton stars.
Her performance also highlights Hyderabad’s strong badminton culture, which has already produced global icons like P. V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal. For Ruhi, this medal is just the beginning of what promises to be an inspiring journey ahead.
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