After putting on an impressive show at the Portuguese International Junior event earlier in November, Varun Kapur from Nikhil Kanetkar Badminton Academy (NKBA) has started 2021 on a career-high as he is now ranked World No 2 in the Under-19 Boys Singles category as the world body Badminton World Federation (BWF) released the rankings on Tuesday.
Speaking about his ranking Varun said “I am extremely elated on achieving this milestone even though I played very few tournaments in 2020 due to the pandemic and the points have been carried forward from the year 2019.”
“I am happy with the achievement. It has been a wonderful journey so far. I would like to thank my parents, coaches at the academy, KSF for funding my tournaments and also Li-Ning for sponsoring my clothes and giving me all the equipment which I require,” Kapur added.
Speaking about Varun’s achievement, Nikhil Kanetkar said “Varun has progressed rapidly over the last five years. We have worked with him in a very planned way and now we are seeing the results. He started with winning at local levels, then he became state champion and started shining at the national level. Thanks to Kanetkar Sports Foundation (KSF) he could play tournaments internationally. I knew he had the potential to be in the Top 3 in the world and by becoming World No 2 in the Under-19 Boys Singles he proved me right. In fact, if it were not for the pandemic, he was on his way to becoming World No 1.”
“His reaching this landmark is a result of his own and his parent’s belief in the system and training at NKBA. It is also a historic achievement for Pune and Mahalunge-Balewadi Sports Complex as it is the first time ever anyone has been officially ranked No.2 in the World in U-19 Boys Singles. Varun has a bright future and can do wonders for India if he is focused and works harder in the years to come. We would also like to thank the Government of Maharashtra for their strong support” Kanetkar added.
Earlier in November, Varun clinched his 6th Junior international title of his career at the XII Portuguese International Junior 2020 when he defeated fourth-seeded Diogo Gloria from Portugal 21-18, 21-13 to win the Under-19 crown.
Varun’s 2018-2020 Achievements
1. Gold medal Dubai Junior – 2018
2. Gold medal Slovakia Junior – 2018
3. Gold medal Croatia Junior – 2019
4. Gold medal Cyprus Junior – 2019
5. Gold medal Lithuania Junior – 2019
6. Gold medal Portugal Junior – 2020
7. Silver medal Russia Junior – 2019
8. Silver medal Dubai Junior – 2019
9. Silver medal Portugal Junior – 2019
10. Silver medal Hungary Junior – 2020
11. Bronze medal Bulgaria Junior- 2019
