Badminton – Ongole’s Asha Sree Reaches Under-15 National Ranking Quarterfinals
Badminton – Fourteen-year-old shuttler Dandu Asha Sree from Ongole has entered the quarterfinals of the Under-15 girls’ event at the National Ranking Badminton Tournament in Bengaluru. The competition is also being used as a selection trial for the Asian Badminton Championship scheduled in China.
Strong Run Through Qualifiers and Main Draw
Asha Sree produced a consistent performance to reach the final eight. She won four matches in the qualifying rounds before adding three more victories in the main draw of the Under-15 category.
Her campaign has placed her among the leading contenders in the event, where young players from across the country are competing for national ranking points and possible international selection.
Straight-Games Win Seals Last-Eight Place
In the pre-quarterfinal, Asha Sree defeated Telangana player Nimma Sanvi Reddy in straight games. She secured the match 21-14, 21-18, showing composure during key phases of both games.
The result gave the Ongole player a place in Monday’s quarterfinal round. A victory in that match would confirm her selection to represent India at the Asian Badminton Championship.
Competing in Two National Ranking Categories
Apart from the Under-15 competition, Asha Sree is also taking part in the Under-17 National Ranking event. Her participation in both age groups has given her an opportunity to test herself against a wider range of opponents during the Bengaluru tournament.
The national ranking events are important for junior players seeking to progress through India’s competitive badminton system. Strong performances at such tournaments can help athletes earn selection opportunities for international junior competitions.
Training at Bengaluru Sports Centre
Asha Sree has been training in Bengaluru for the past year at the Infosys Foundation Centre for Sports. The tournament is being held at the same centre, giving her familiarity with the training environment and playing conditions.
Her progress at the event has drawn appreciation from her family, coaches and badminton supporters. Her parents, Dandu Srinivasa Rao and Pramoda Lakshmi, congratulated her after she reached the quarterfinal stage.
Focus Turns to Monday’s Quarterfinal
The upcoming quarterfinal will be a major test for the young player as she aims to move closer to an India selection. A win would not only take her into the semifinal stage of the Under-15 National Ranking tournament but also secure her place in the Indian contingent for the Asian Badminton Championship in China.
Asha Sree’s performance has added to the growing visibility of junior badminton talent emerging from Andhra Pradesh. Her results in Bengaluru will be closely watched as the selection process moves into its decisive phase.