Lika Poddar Claims Maiden National Badminton Title
Lika Poddar secured her first national badminton title by defeating defending champion Urmi Akter 2-1 at the 40th National Badminton Championships, according to The Daily Star. The 24-year-old from Bagerhat, competing under Narayanganj, won the opening set 22-20, lost the second 21-11, and won the decider 21-18 in a match that concluded on Thursday at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium.
The victory marked the end of a long‑awaited breakthrough for Poddar, who had competed four times before but never reached the final. After the match, she broke down in tears during a video call with her mother in Mongla, a moment captured by The Daily Star. “I can’t express how I feel because I’ve won the title in my first‑ever final,” Poddar said, per the report. “I had competed four times before but never reached the final.”
A Long‑Awaited Triumph
The deciding set saw Poddar maintain composure, clinching it 21-18 to claim her maiden national title.
Urmi, a Khulna resident who previously won her first national title representing Pabna, showcased her versatility by winning the mixed doubles title with Al Amin Jumar. The pair defeated Tamim Hasan and SK Pritha 21-17, 21-14, according to The Daily Star.
Struggles and Sacrifices
Poddar’s breakthrough came after years of financial hardship. Her fisherman father provided minimal support for her badminton career, and she now shoulders most of her family’s financial responsibilities through her earnings, The Daily Star reported.
Other Championship Results
In the men’s singles, Rajin Ahmed of Sylhet DSA was crowned champion after finalist SM Sibgat Ullah withdrew due to injury, The Daily Star noted. The men’s doubles title was claimed by Bangladesh Ansar’s Moazzem Hossain Ohidul and Shuvo Khandaker, who overcame a 22-24 first‑set loss to defeat Al Amin Jumar and SM Sifat Ullah 21-18, 26-24.
The tournament, held at Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium, featured athletes from across Bangladesh, with competitors representing various districts.
