Odisha finds a different talent in Rutaparna

Odisha, known mostly as the hub of hockey in India, was found a different kind of emerging talent in Rutaparna Panda.
The 20 year-old, who specializes in the doubles discipline, is currently ranked 56 in women's doubles while reaching the position of 108 in the mixed category. Panda, who hails from Cuttack, has been honing her skills at the Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad while relishing her second experience in the Premier Badminton League (PBL) with the North Eastern Warriors.
"It's been a good experience thus far. We have some big players who have come on board. With the likes of Lee Yong Dae, Kim Ha Na and Michelle Li in the side it has been a good learning curve for me while practising with them," says Panda.
Having taken up the game owing to her father's love for the sport, Panda realized her parent's dream as he could not fulfill his ambition of being a sportsman owing to family constraints. While her father participated in various badminton tournaments, during the winters he was focused on turning his child into a pro.
"My father was determined from the beginning to get me into sports. He could not pursue it owing to family restrictions so he was prepared to make me an athlete," adds Panda with a laugh.
Having been inspired by Chris Adcock's mantra of 'quality and not quantity', Panda sees the Great Britain men's doubles player as an inspiration. Selected to be a part of the Indian women's contingent for Asian Team Championships this month in Manila, along with Warriors teammate Ashmita Chaliha, Panda is happy that she has been able to create a niche for the sport in the state.
"During my time, there was not much facilities in the state. Now the SAI academies are there and the youngsters are getting a proper place to hone their skills. There were players during my time but now the situation has definitely improved with the right infrastructure," adds the 2019 Ghana International champion, who won the mixed-doubles gold with Shlok Ramchandran.
Panda also sheds light on her interactions with the man credited with changing the face of Indian badminton. "Thus far my interaction with Gopi sir has been good. Although he does not have much time owing to travelling with the other players, whenever he has time he comes to our sessions and tries to help us out," says Panda.
"On court he is very strict and when he's there, the intensity is double. But off it, he's very friendly and talks to us on a lot of aspects. My strength and stamina have improved after being there so it has been a good experience."
Having been under international spotlight, Panda is well versed with the pressures and expectations from the followers of the game.
"Sometime it happens (feeling the pressure) but one needs to know how to handle. Moreover, coming from Odisha it gives me more courage because when I started playing there was nothing. So to come to this stage is a nice feeling," the 20-year-old signs off.