Para-badminton athlete Aarti Patil has made a triumphant return to the international circuit by securing a bronze medal at the Bahrain Para-Badminton tournament.
This marks a significant comeback for Patil, who had been sidelined for months due to a leg injury.
After last competing at the BWF World Championship in Thailand in February, Patil faced compatriot Manisha Ramadass in the women's SU5 category semifinals. Despite her defeat in the semifinals, Patil's impressive performance propelled her six spots up in the world rankings, landing her in 14th place.
"My next goal is to break into the top 12 to qualify for Level 1 BWF tournaments," Patil stated. "I'm also focusing on excelling at the Asian Championship and the World Championship next year."
Patil, originally from a village in the Belgavi district of Karnataka and currently training in Pune, expressed gratitude for the financial support she received from the Punit Balan Group. "The costs of participating in international tournaments have been rising, and without the Punit Balan Group's assistance, I wouldn't have been able to compete in the World Championship or this tournament. I am eager to compete in the Uganda Para-Badminton Tournament in July and aim for an even higher podium finish."
The Punit Balan Group has committed to supporting Aarti Patil for three years, providing the financial backing she needs to pursue her ambitions on the international stage. This partnership aims to help Patil achieve her goal of winning more medals and improving her world ranking.