Alkapur player Venu Muppala shines in national Badminton qualifiers
HYDERABAD: Venu Muppala, a national-level badminton player from Alkapur, Manikonda, distinguished himself at the Yonex Sunrise 48th Indian Masters National Badminton Championship 2025-26. Demonstrating determination and endurance, Muppala advanced through the qualification rounds to earn a place in the main draw for both Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles.
Qualifying in two disciplines at the national level is a notable achievement, and Muppala’s performance was marked by several hard-fought comebacks.
In the Men’s Singles qualification final, Muppala faced Tamil Nadu’s Shiva Shankar. After winning the first set 15-9, Muppala dropped the second 12-15. He recovered in the deciding set, securing a 15-11 victory and a place in the main draw.
In Men’s Doubles, Muppala partnered with Gnana Prasad Reddy, highlighting their four years of preparation. They faced the top-seeded Maharashtra pair, Sachin Bharati and Kaushik Vartak, in the qualification final.
After losing the first set 13-15, Muppala and Reddy responded with a 15-10 win in the second. They secured a 15-13 victory in the deciding set after a 74-minute match, earning a place in the main draw.
Muppala also competed in Mixed Doubles with Shikha Lamb of Karnataka. They won the first set 15-13 against Chand Chavath and Madhu Smita but lost the next two sets 11-15 and 13-15.
Beyond his on-court achievements, Venu Muppala contributes to the sport’s development as Founder and Chairman of the Match Point Badminton Academy, where he is committed to training future players.
