Ludhiana shuttler secures spot in national ranking

LUDHIANA: Shuttler Pranaav Jerry Chopra of city started the year 2013 with a bang as he won Vankina Anjani Devi Memorial All India Senior Ranking Tournament -2013 at Hyderabad from January 23 to 28.
Pranaav pairing with his partner Akshay Dewalkar defeated former national champions Tarun and Arun Vishnu in grueling match extending up to three sets. The scores were 16-21, 21-9, 21-15.Tarun and Arun were top seeds where as
Pranaav and Akshay were second. After loosing the first set at 16-21 Pranaav and Akshay came back and won the next two sets easily. In semi final also Pranaav and Akshay had tough match against Olympion V Diju and Alwin Francis.
Pranaav and Akshay defeated them by 21-19 and 21-14. Pranaav, 20, has had the honour of representing India in Thomas Cup, Asian Championship and World Championship. Pranaav and Akshay are now working hard and are eyeing next Olympics.
The duo have already won silver medal in Swiss International Tournament in 2012 which was played in Switzerland. Pranaav has represented India for the last six years in the junior as well as senior category.
Importantly, Pranaav is the youngest player in the team and is the only player from Ludhiana to represent India in Thomas Cup. He has dedicated his victory to coach Gopi Chand.