India’s mixed doubles pair of Sathwik Reddy Kanapuram and Radhika Sharma captured the title at the Azerbaijan International Challenge, surviving a tense three-game final to defeat Serbia’s Mihajlo Tomic and Andjela Vitman 24-22, 10-21, 24-22.
The victory capped a demanding week in which the Indian duo navigated multiple tight contests to lift the trophy. The final, played over 62 minutes, was a test of nerve as much as skill. Both pairs traded momentum shifts, but it was Sathwik and Radhika who held firm in the decisive exchanges to seal the championship.
A Final Decided by Fine Margins
The opening game immediately set the tone for a high-intensity battle. Neither side was able to create significant separation, with rallies extending deep into deuce territory. The Indian pair showed composure under pressure, saving game points before eventually edging the opener 24-22. Their ability to stay aggressive at the net, while maintaining sharp defensive coverage at the backcourt, proved decisive in the closing rallies.
However, the second game saw a dramatic shift. The Serbian pair regrouped effectively, tightening their defence and forcing errors from the Indians. Tomic’s attacking play from the rear court and Vitman’s quick interceptions at the net disrupted the Indian rhythm. Sathwik and Radhika struggled to regain control, eventually conceding the game 10-21 as the match moved into a decider.
The third game was a roller-coaster. Both pairs displayed remarkable resilience, trading leads in a contest defined by long rallies and sharp counter-attacks. With the score locked deep into deuce once again, the pressure was palpable. The Indians held their nerve, converting at 24-22 to complete a hard-earned victory. The final scoreboard 24-22, 10-21, 24-22 reflected just how narrow the margins were.
A Challenging Road to the Title
The triumph was the culmination of a steady and determined campaign throughout the tournament.
In the Round of 32, Sathwik and Radhika began with a confident 21-6, 21-13 victory over UAE’s Dev Ayyappan and Nurani Ratu Azzahra, setting the tone for their week.
The Round of 16 saw a sterner test against Spain’s Ruben Garcia and Lucia Rodriguez. The Indians held their composure in crucial phases to secure a straight-games win, 21-18, 21-17. Their quarterfinal against compatriots Bhavya Chhabra and Vishakha Toppo was a particularly intense encounter. After dropping the opening game 15-21, Sathwik and Radhika bounced back strongly to win 22-20, 21-14. The ability to recover after losing the first game highlighted their mental toughness.
In the semifinal, they faced Czech duo Ondrej Kral and Tereza Svabikova. Once again, the Indians delivered under pressure, winning 21-15, 21-16 to book their place in the final.
Earlier in the qualification phase, the pair had also displayed control, overcoming Misha Zilberman and Agnes Korosi 21-10, 21-13 to enter the main draw with momentum. Across the tournament, what stood out was their consistency in tight finishes. Whether it was closing out deuce situations or responding after setbacks, the Indian duo showed tactical discipline and emotional balance.
Tactical Discipline Under Pressure
Sathwik’s attacking instincts from the rear court were complemented by Radhika’s quick reflexes and net control. The pair displayed good rotation and communication, especially in extended rallies where positional discipline becomes critical. In the final, their ability to reassert themselves after a one-sided second game was telling. Rather than retreating into a defensive shell, they returned to an aggressive but controlled approach, targeting gaps and forcing errors at key moments.
The victory also underlined their growing chemistry as a mixed doubles partnership. Navigating multiple close finishes over the week is a strong indicator of a pair’s understanding and trust on court.
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Winning an International Challenge event provides valuable ranking points and confidence, especially in the competitive mixed doubles circuit. For Sathwik and Radhika, the title represents both progress and proof of potential. More importantly, the manner of the victory two deuce games in the final suggests a pair comfortable in high-pressure situations. Such experience becomes invaluable as they look ahead to higher-tier tournaments on the BWF calendar.
The Azerbaijan International Challenge title is not merely a tournament win; it is a statement of resilience. In a final defined by razor-thin margins, Sathwik Reddy Kanapuram and Radhika Sharma demonstrated composure, tactical clarity, and competitive maturity.
For Indian badminton, it is another encouraging sign of depth in mixed doubles—and for the pair themselves, a reminder that belief and execution in the closing moments often separate champions from challengers.
