Arathi, Varshini cap off brilliant 2024 with maiden Sr National doubles title

Arathi Sara Sunil of Kerala and Varshini V S of Tamil Nadu clinched the women's doubles title of the 86th Senior National Badminton Championships in Bengaluru on Tuesday. It is the first senior national title of the 30-year-old Keralite and her 21-year-old partner.

Arathi and Varshini defeated Priya Devi Konjengbam and Shruti Mishra 18-21, 22-20, 17-21 in the final. The second-seed pair got the better of Aparna Balan and Simran Singhi 21-17, 21-14 in the semifinals.  

Arathi and Varshini have been on a dream run since getting into a partnership at the start of the year. Since January, the duo has made the podium in four national-ranking and two international-challenge events.

Coached by Joy T Antony at the Regional Sports Centre in Kochi, Arathi had been sidelined for a few weeks with a hand injury and could only resume training three days before the event in Bengaluru. "Years of hardwork has paid off. A lot of ups and downs, perseverance, hardwork and dedication has resulted in this great success for Arathi," coach Joy said.