Vijayawada: Shikha Gautam and Ashwini Bhat once again underlined that their rise in Indian women’s doubles badminton is built on substance, not surprise, as they clinched the women’s doubles title at the 87th Senior National Badminton Championships in Vijayawada.
The duo defeated Priya Devi Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra in straight games 21-14, 21-18 in the final, delivering a composed performance when it mattered most. As reported by Deccan Herald, the win firmly put to rest the lingering perception that their earlier success was a one-off.
What makes their journey remarkable is how it began. The pair was brought together in 2019 at the last minute after another combination pulled out, yet they went on to win the Nationals with minimal preparation. “People thought it was just luck,” Ashwini was quoted as saying by Deccan Herald, reflecting on the skepticism that followed their early breakthrough.
Since then, results have done the talking. Shikha and Ashwini have steadily built chemistry, combining solid court coverage with sharp net play. Their consistency has extended beyond domestic events, with podium finishes at international tournaments such as the Guwahati Open, Odisha Open, Mangalore International Challenge, and a runner-up finish at the Dutch Open, according to Deccan Herald.
Having previously reached a career-high world ranking of 33, the pair now has its sights set on breaking into the top tier again and targeting qualification for the 2026 World Championships, scheduled to be held in India.
The Senior Nationals title, earned through control, patience and belief, may well be their most emphatic statement yet — not of promise, but of permanence.
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