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"Against All Odds: The Unlikely Quest of Sathish and Aadya for Olympic Glory"

Kalyani Jha
09 Feb, 2024

In a daring bid to qualify for the Paris Olympics, Bangalore coach Ajit Wijetilekk orchestrated a bold pairing between predominantly singles players Sathish Kumar Karunakaran and Aadya Variyath. Despite initial skepticism, the duo recently clinched their second International Challenge title in Iran, triumphing over the seasoned combination of Sikki Reddy and Sumeeth Reddy.

Sathish, reflecting on their unconventional partnership, admitted to trusting Ajit's vision despite not playing doubles for several months. The coach's strategic plan aimed at leveraging their unique talents and securing Olympic qualification, albeit with only a remote chance of India sending a mixed pairing to Paris.

The journey for Sathish and Aadya has been fraught with challenges, both on and off the court. Sathish, now supported by Go Sports after losing TOPS funding, continues to sleep on the floor at the Bangalore academy due to financial constraints. However, this humble setting keeps him grounded as he pursues his Olympic dream.

Aadya's transformation from initially wincing at shuttles to becoming a formidable net player showcases her resilience and determination. Under Ajit's guidance, she has honed her skills, exhibiting quicksilver movements and a fierce presence at the net.

Their ambitious plan involves participating in a series of tournaments across Azerbaijan, Uganda, Germany, Orleans, Spain, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, and the Asian Badminton Championships, with the goal of securing vital ranking points. Ajit, drawing from his own experience as a former player, understands the rigors of the sport and is determined to push Sathish to his full potential.

The duo's unconventional playing style, characterized by a slow-burn approach and strategic finesse, sets them apart on the circuit. While Sathish brings a strong attacking game from the backcourt, Aadya's quick reflexes and net prowess complement his style perfectly.

Despite their focus on mixed doubles qualification, both players harbor ambitions in their respective singles careers. Sathish aims for a Top 30 ranking by year-end, while Aadya's journey from a summer camp in Mumbai to the badminton courts of Bangalore reflects her dedication to the sport.

As they embark on the final leg of their Olympic qualification journey, Ajit remains optimistic, relying on support from friends and minimal funds to fuel their aspirations. Their resilience and determination exemplify the spirit of Olympic dreams, as they strive to defy the odds and secure their spot on badminton's biggest stage.