Fisherman's Daughter Lika Rules National Badminton: Beats Urmi for Her First Senior Title

Lika Akter has become senior national champion for the first time, defeating reigning champion Urmi Akter in the women's singles final of the 40th National Badminton Championship. In a hard-fought final, the 24-year-old beat Bangladesh Army's Urmi 22-20, 11-21, 21-18.

It was finals day in all events of the national badminton championship. The Narayanganj District Sports Association shuttler is not a services-team player; she has reached the top by fighting on through many limitations, and her performance on court was enviable.

Lika grew up in Mongla; her father is a fisherman, and the family of four lives off fishing in the river. The family was never financially well off, so carrying her badminton career forward was not easy for her.

On this journey, Elora Shuttle Academy, sponsorship from the Kawasaki brand and her coach's support played important roles. That is why, although she is a daughter of Mongla in Bagerhat, Lika plays for Narayanganj.

After winning the first senior national title of her career, Lika made a video call to her mother in Mongla. Overjoyed at her daughter's dream coming true, she could not hold back her emotions and broke down in tears while talking to her mother. For Lika, the national title is not just a trophy; it is recognition of her family's long struggle.

Expressing her feelings after the title win, Lika said, "In my five-year senior career, this was the first time I reached a final. The joy of becoming champion in my very first final cannot be expressed in words."

Like the women's singles, the men's singles also has a new champion. Sibgatullah could not play because of injury, and Rajin Ahmed won the title by walkover.

In the mixed event, Urmi Akter became champion partnering Al Amin Jumar. Bristy Khatun and SK Pritha were the best in women's doubles, while Ohidul and Shuvo Khandaker took the honours in men's doubles.