Priyanshu Rajawat: Two weeks ago, Priyanshu Rajawat wouldn’t even have imagined that within a span of seven days he would move up 20 places to break into the Top 40 in the BWF Rankings. The 21-year old however, has exactly done that following his recent Orleans Masters victory. The Madhya Pradesh born lad is now the World No.38 and aims to carry forward the form in the BWF tour. In an exclusive chat with InsideSport, the youngster spoke about his Orleans Masters victory, his next targets and his one big dream. Follow Badminton News and LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN
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Rajawat lifted his career’s maiden BWF Super 300 title by winning the Orleans Masters on Sunday, 9th April 2023. The win has made him the fourth highest ranked Indian in Men’s Singles behind HS Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth and Lakshya Sen.
Priyanshu Rajawat eyes consistency
Rajawat’s victory has a greater significance as it has come just before Paris Olympics qualification that is set to kickstart in May.
Speaking about it, he told InsideSport, “I am happy with my performance at Orleans for now. However it’s just the start. I really want to be consistent, improve and win more titles. Now I am in Top 40 which will give me a chance to play more big tournaments. It can help me with Olympic qualification.”
At the Orleans Masters, Rajawat was initially not even part of the main draw. He was about to play as a qualifier. However following several withdrawals, he was able to reach the main draw directly. The youngster made the opportunity count as he went on to reach the final by winning all his matches in straight games.
Priyanshu 🇮🇳 takes a massive 2️⃣0️⃣ spots jump to achieve his career high WR of 3️⃣8️⃣ on #BWFWorldRankings 🥳👌
Checkout this week’s ranking updates 🏸
📸: @badmintonphoto#IndiaontheRise#Badminton @PriyanshuPlay @NSaina @Gkrishna_p pic.twitter.com/dXAKLNEkG3
— BAI Media (@BAI_Media) April 11, 2023
In the final he met World No.49 Magnus Johannesen and clinched a 21-15, 19-21, 21-16 victory.
When asked which was his most memorable match in the tournament, as expected, Rajawat rated his victory against top seed Kenta Nishimoto as his best. He defeated the World No.12 Japanese 21-8, 21-16 in the second round. This is his career’s biggest win so far.
Rajawat – Another find of Gopichand Academy
Rajawat has been training at the Gopichand Academy ever since he was eight years old.
When asked how Gopichand reacted to his victory he stated, “He was happy with the win. But the focus has now already shifted to the upcoming Asian tour. We will soon be training for the upcoming Malaysia Masters with special focusing on my fitness and stamina.”
Apart from the Olympic qualification, Asian Games will also be played at the end of the year.
With big events lined up, Rajawat isn’t thinking too far ahead and said,“I just want to give my 100% in the upcoming tournaments. “
When asked about his ultimate dream, he said, “I want to gradually improve and be one among the Top 10 players in the world. My biggest dream is to win the Gold in Olympics.”
Rajawat will next be seen in action in the Malaysia Masters 2023 that will get underway from 23rd May.
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