Anaya’s Incredible Win

It was incredible but true!

Anaya had won the semi final against Jana, one of the most experienced campaigners in the tournament, and had advanced to the Woman’s Singles final of the inter school badminton championship. Her joy knew no bounds, as nobody had expected such a good showing from her in the first tournament that she had participated in.

The sound of her coach, Mr. Kiran Haldipur, broke her reverie.

“The all important final is tomorrow,” he said. “Take a break and come back for practice at 4 pm.”

“Yes Sir,” she nodded her head in affirmation while packing her rackets in her bag.

She was present in the practice court sharp at 4. Her coach gave her some quick advice about her opponent, Kanta, the reigning champion, and her game.

“ Kanta is an aggressive player,” he said. “So you have to be counter aggressive and you cannot afford to neglect your return of serve.”

“Yes Sir,” Anaya replied.

Haldipur gave her some more tips before the match began.

Anaya knew that she had to be careful against the champion. She raced to a 7-2 lead. But Kanta fought back and clinched eight straight points and ended up winning the first set at 15-11. Anaya was slightly disappointed. But her coach encouraged her, before she began the second set. Anaya suddenly found her form and wrapped up the second set 15-12, though the score belied the tough fight by Kanta. It was now the decider. Kanta raised the bar and played really well to score five points. But a smash flew out of the court and it was Anaya’s turn to serve. Anaya had nothing to lose. She raised the tempo and fought back to close the gap and inch forward. Kanta was struggling for stamina following the long baseline rallies. Anaya took advantage and continued the long rallies making her opponent work for her points. But the champion was not one to give up without a fight. She closed the gap and it was now 12-12. Then Anaya started playing beautiful strokes making Kanta lunge forward towards her forehand. Anaya dominated the proceedings thereafter to win the decider 15-12.

‘Oh My God! She had won!’ Anaya clasped her hands in prayer and she ran to thank her coach. Tears of joy flowed down her cheeks as she realized that she had actually won her first championship, when she received the trophy. What a dream debut it had been!!