Malvika Bansod Interview
Q. As a left-handed player, what advantages do you consciously try to use during matches?
Usually, the advantage that lefties have against righties is that they are used to playing against right-handed opponents most of the time, but right-handed opponents face very few left handers. As such, I don't use anything consciously, the fact that my opponents are playing a left hander makes a lot of changes in their usual strategy.
Q. What goes on in your mind right before stepping onto the court for a big match?
That this is a big moment, and I have a lot of responsibility on my shoulders, lots of expectations from everyone, and that I just need to give my best on the court, in that moment.
Q. How do you reset mentally after a tough loss?
Tough losses are very difficult to overcome, because we can see all the hard work we put in and couldn't convert the match. But looking forward to the next match and keeping in mind the positives from the previous match help in resetting
Q. Do you ever feel self-doubt, and how do you deal with it?
Each athlete on the planet faces self doubt. I feel consciously remembering and reminding ourselves of the grind we put in, the sacrifices we made, the tough uphill journey we had till here helps to have self belief.
Q. Was there a moment when you realized you could compete at the international level?
I won the Gold in my debut senior international tournament in Maldives in 2019, where I won against the then world no. 70 and I had no ranking. After that win I realized that I could compete and win at the international level.
Q. What’s been the toughest phase of your journey so far that people don’t see?
Till now there have been many many tough phases, the two of the most difficult ones have been 2023, When I battled dengue and Typhoid simultaneously after the Asian Games and the last year 2025, when I had a fall at Indonesia Open from a leading position against world number 11 Putri Wardani of Indonesia, which led to an ACL injury, following which I had to undergo surgery.
The rehab phase was very very demanding, tiring, painful and testing not only for me but for my family, my team as well. People only see that my ranking has slipped from 22 to 52 and that I'm not able to perform consistently, but they don't see the endless struggles behind the scenes. It's only been 8 months post my surgery and I have been able to play a quarter final at the Orleans Masters Super 300 last week.
Q. If you could go back and give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
I would advise my younger self to have a lot of self belief, to be patient and to explore the world freely.
Q. Which tournament location has given you the best memories outside the court?
Each venue has a special memory attached to it, So it's really difficult to pinpoint a certain venue. All the locations are close to my heart!
Q. How do you stay consistent on days when you don’t feel motivated?
Again, Thinking about the goal, I know where I have to go, so that keeps me driven on hard days as well.
Q. What’s something about you that fans don’t usually get to see?
Fans, Don't get to see all the grind that goes in, and also a side of me which loves comedy and jokes.
Bio:
Malvika Bansod is an Indian badminton player from Nagpur, Maharashtra, who competes in women’s singles. She began playing badminton at a young age and quickly rose through national and international ranks with her consistent performances. Malvika gained major recognition after defeating top players like Saina Nehwal and reaching the finals of tournaments such as the Syed Modi International. Known for her determination, discipline, and steady improvement, she is considered one of the rising talents in Indian badminton.
Interviewed by: Samruddhi Salunkhe
){kind=link}
0 Comments