Hanoi, Vietnam – The Ciputra Hanoi International Challenge concluded on Sunday, March 29, 2026, with victories for Indonesia’s Richie Duta Richardo in men’s singles and India’s Rakshitha Sree Santhosh Ramraj in women’s singles. The tournament, which featured over 800 athletes and 325 players from top badminton nations, showcased a high level of competition and underscored Hanoi’s growing prominence as a destination for international sporting events.
Richie Duta Richardo, the 18-year-old Indonesian, secured his third BWF International Series title, defeating Taiwan’s Cheng Ju-Sheng 21-13, 21-14 in the final. This victory follows his previous triumphs at the Thailand International in 2025 and the Malaysia International in 2024. According to tournament results, this was the second international encounter between Richardo and Ju-Sheng, with Richardo having won their first match in three games. The young Indonesian demonstrated resilience throughout the tournament, building on his World Junior Championship bronze medal from 2024 and 2025.
Rakshitha Sree Santhosh Ramraj continued her impressive form, winning the women’s singles title after a dominant performance against Hong Kong’s Happy Lo Sin Yan. Ramraj, similarly 18, dispatched Kisona Selvaduray of Malaysia 21-11, 21-10 in the semi-finals, completing the match in just 30 minutes. This marks her third BWF International Series title, adding to her victories at the Slovenia Open and India International in 2024. Ramraj previously defeated Lo Sin Yan at the German Open in 2025.
The tournament also saw notable performances in doubles play. Australia’s Gronya Somerville and Canada’s Josephine Wu upset the eighth-seeded Japanese duo of Moe Aoki and Hina Osawa in the women’s doubles semi-finals, winning 21-16, 19-21, 21-15. They went on to compete for the title against another Japanese pair, Miki Kanehiro and Yuna Kato. In a marathon men’s doubles semi-final, Indian youngsters Krishna Prasad Garaga and Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy overcame Cho Song-hyun and Kim Jae-hyeon of Korea 11-21, 23-21, 25-23 after 82 minutes of play.
The Ciputra Hanoi International Challenge isn’t just about the competition; it’s about fostering the growth of badminton in Vietnam. Organizers emphasized that supporting the tournament is a social responsibility and a vital contribution to the sustainable development of the sport within the country, providing local athletes with invaluable international exposure. With over 325 players representing badminton powerhouses, the event continues to solidify its reputation as a prestigious professional tournament.
Ciputra Hanoi, the city within a city, views its support of the tournament as integral to its vision of a sustainable and healthy lifestyle for its residents. A representative from Ciputra Hanoi stated that the organization believes sport is essential to a happy and sustainable life and that hosting events like the Vietnam Challenge International Badminton Tournament promotes a healthy, environmentally conscious lifestyle while showcasing Hanoi as a dynamic and welcoming international city. Hanoi is increasingly recognized as a hub for international sporting events.
Richie Duta Richardo, born November 23, 2007, currently holds a world ranking of 89 as of March 24, 2026, with a career-high ranking of 87 achieved on March 10, 2026. He is affiliated with the Djarum club in Indonesia. His consistent performance and rising ranking signal a promising future for the young badminton star. Richie Duta Richardo’s journey is one to watch as he continues to compete on the international stage.
Rakshitha Sree Santhosh Ramraj’s victory further cements her position as a rising star in Indian badminton. Her consistent success in international tournaments demonstrates her dedication and skill. The win in Hanoi adds another significant achievement to her growing list of accolades, and she will undoubtedly be a strong contender in future competitions.
The success of the tournament leaves a lasting positive impression of Hanoi’s professionalism and hospitality. Ciputra Hanoi has committed to continuing its partnership, aiming to establish Hanoi as a premier destination for international sporting events and build a sustainable future for generations to come.
What’s Next: Both Richie Duta Richardo and Rakshitha Sree Santhosh Ramraj are expected to announce their upcoming tournament schedules in the coming weeks. Fans can follow updates on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) website: https://bwfworldtourfinals.bwfbadminton.com/results/5660/ciputra-hanoi-yonex-sunrise-vietnam-international-challenge-2026/2026-03-27.
What are your thoughts on these rising stars? Share your predictions for their future success in the comments below!
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