Rujula's eye firmly on taking her game to the next level
The 17-year-old sealed her place directly through a tournament victory – the Yonex Sunrise All India Junior Ranking Badminton tournament here recently – bypassing the need for trials, underscoring her current form.
'The winner would directly get selected. I was anxious, a little tense as well. After I won, everything felt better. I was very happy,' an elated Rujula told The Hindu.
Rujula's journey began when she was seven, with badminton evolving from a casual family activity. Her parents fostered her passion while allowing her to embrace the sport on her terms.
'From the day I started, there was no pressure from them. They just said 'as long as you like it, play it'. They're very supportive... even motivating. They never said you have to win this tournament or that [tournament],' she added.
Rujula attributed her consistent performances to a rigorous training regimen, typically involving three sessions – two focused on playing and one on fitness. This approach should facilitate her transition from the junior ranks into senior competitions and help keep up her attacking game.
'I am an aggressive player. I really like these cross-court drops from my forehand side as well as the backhand side,' Rujula said.
A pre-university student at Reva University, Rujula is the India No. 1 in the u-19 category and is ranked fifth among the seniors. In March 2025, she demonstrated her international prowess as well by securing the silver medal at the German Juniors.
'I hadn't played so many internationals. It was my first time against all of these guys [top-tier players from Malaysia, China, and Japan]. I started really well. And that continued throughout,' Rujula stated.
Looking ahead, the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy trainee's short-term aspirations include strong performances at the Asian juniors and being selected for the World juniors.
'Long-term goal has to be the Olympics. The Olympics, World Championships, and the Commonwealth Games...' she emphasised.
For this, Rujula can draw inspiration from stars like P.V. Sindhu and Ashwini Ponnappa.
'Looking at her [Sindhu] train... although she's achieved so much, she still works with the same intensity. It motivates me to do better,' Rujula signed off.
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