Panda Sisters Reach All-Indian Final At Lagos Badminton Classics

India’s Rutaparna and Swetaparna Panda have booked their place in the women’s doubles final of the 9th Lagos International Badminton Classics after a dominant semi-final victory.

The second-seeded sisters defeated South Africa’s Amy Ackerman and Johanita Scholtz 21-8, 21-13 to set up an all-Indian final against compatriots Kavipriya Selvan and Simran Singhi.

The 27-year-old Rutaparna and her 21-year-old sister had received a bye in the Round of 32 before overcoming United Arab Emirates siblings Myssha Omer Khan and Taabia Khan in the following round.

Their emphatic semi-final performance earned them another opportunity to compete for a title in Nigeria, a country the sisters regard as a lucky destination.

Swetaparna said their two victories on the day had boosted their confidence ahead of Saturday’s final.

“We feel great because we played a good match in the morning and also in the afternoon. So, I feel quite confident for tomorrow’s match,” she said.

Rutaparna admitted that the demanding schedule had made the day hectic but said they were ready for the final.

“Yes, it was a very hectic day because in the morning also we played a match and in the evening also we played a match.

“It was like two matches in a day, but we somehow managed it and we are fully ready for tomorrow,” she said.

The sisters also praised the warmth of Nigerians and the reception they have received during the tournament.

Swetaparna, who has visited Nigeria twice previously, said she had always enjoyed competing in the country.

Rutaparna added that Nigeria had brought her success in the past, recalling that she won a bronze medal the last time she competed in an International Challenge event in the country.

“This time we are in the finals, so we are very, very excited to play tomorrow in the finals,” she said.

The sisters credited their parents for their continued support, saying badminton requires significant financial commitment, discipline and mental strength.

They also highlighted the importance of balancing attacking play, defence, fitness, speed and technical skills, particularly in the physically demanding women’s doubles event.

The final is scheduled for Saturday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Nigeria Institute of Sports (NIS), National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.