Odisha star shuttler Rutaparna Panda and her younger sister Swetaparna Panda won the womens doubles gold medal in the Kampala International Future Series Badminton Tournament, held at Lugogo Sports Complex in Kampala, Uganda from 28 September to 1 October 2023.

The Panda siblings justified their credentials as the top seeds, defeating UAE opponents Aleena Qathun and Nayonika Rajesh in the final 21-9, 21-14. After starting their campaign with a bye, Rutaparna and Swetaparna won three matches, including the final to become champions.

The Cuttack sisters beat Ugandan pair Trisha Rodah Kyuuka and Vivian Nalule 21-15, 21-18 in the quarterfinals and Husina Kobugabe and Gladys Mbabazi, also from Uganda, in the semifinals 21-13, 16-21, 21-14.

The Odisha duo is set to play two more international tournaments before returning home October 17. They will next play the Uganda International Series in Kampala from October 5 to 8 and then the Clash of Clans Arctic Open BWF Super 500 Tournament in Vantaa, Finland from October 10 to 15.

Rutaparna and Swetaparna have been playing international tournaments, sanctioned by Badminton World Federation (BWF), in order to improve upon their world rankings. They have been doing so at their own cost or with the support of the State Sports Department.

Former inmates of Hyderabad-based Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, Rutaparna and Swetaparna are now managing their careers without the help of a professional coach. After leaving Gopichand Academy, the sisters have become each other`s coach.
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PHOTO: Rutaparna (Right) and Swetaparna pose with their gold medal at the Kampala International tournament in Kampala, Uganda on 1 October 2023.