At just 14, Aarush is already making headlines. The young badminton prodigy from Goa stunned the European circuit at the France Open U-17 by clinching a silver medal in his very first international tournament—a breakthrough that is as much about overcoming biting cold as it is about breaking barriers.
Aarush’s journey to the podium was anything but conventional. Unlike most Indian juniors who cut their teeth on the Asian circuit, the Goa prodigy chose Europe for his international debut—a gamble that paid off. “I wanted to test myself where few from India venture early,” he says.
The challenges were stark: bone-chilling cold, slower shuttle speeds, and European players’ “deceptive strokes and rhythm.” His solution? Arrive three days early, train with French seniors at Le Volant Airois Club, and mentally recalibrate. “I’d never played in such cold. My fingers went numb during warm-ups,” he recalls. “But we turned it into strength—studying their game, adapting footwork, staying aggressive.”
The strategy worked. His win over the second-highest rated French player in the quarterfinals —a match he calls “the toughest mental duel”—became the tournament’s turning point. “After that, I knew I could compete,” stated the Goa Carbon Limited goodwill ambassador.
“The France Open was my first international tournament, making this silver medal an even more special achievement,” Aarush reflects. “The experience was incredible—competing at such a high level, adapting to new playing conditions, and testing myself against some of the best players in Europe.”
Aarush’s run was marked by memorable highs, including a dramatic upset against the Swiss No 1 and European No. 2 player in Round 2. Yet, it wasn’t just the on-court battles that defined his journey; it was also the off-court challenges that molded his character. Facing European players known for their strong technique and deceptive strokes, Aarush recalls, “European players bring a unique style to the game—strong technique, deceptive strokes, and an entirely different rhythm. Many of them have extensive international exposure, which made the matches even tougher.”
Perhaps the most tangible challenge was the unexpected chill of European winter. With temperatures dipping to -3°C, the conditions were a far cry from what he was used to in Goa. Aarush explains, “Adjusting to the conditions was another challenge—the temperature was around -3°C, which was completely different from what I’m used to. To prepare, we arrived three days early to acclimatize, adapt to the courts, and train with senior French players at the Le Volant Airois Club.”
This early arrival, he says, was crucial in fine-tuning his game and staying sharp throughout the tournament.
Behind the scenes, his transformation has been a product of rigorous discipline and relentless work. Over the past few months, Aarush has become more analytical in his approach—meticulously studying match footage and refining his technique.
“I now study each match closely through video analysis with my coach, identifying areas to refine,” he shares, emphasizing the exhaustive nature of his training. Daily sessions run from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, devoted to stroke play and match strategies, followed by focused strength and conditioning workouts in the evenings.
Yet, it isn’t just physical fitness that has propelled him forward. Mental preparation—through visualization, meditation, and affirmations—has instilled in him a calm and confident demeanor under pressure. “My training has intensified—not just on-court but also in my overall fitness. Every training day was a step towards getting myself tournament-ready,” he notes.
Looking ahead, the silver medal is more than a medal—it’s a stepping stone. Aarush is setting his sights on the Youth Olympics in Dakar 2026, knowing well that every match, every practice session is a move toward that dream. “This silver medal is more than just a podium finish; it has helped me gain valuable international ranking points, which will be crucial in securing entry into future global tournaments,” he explains. With plans to continue winning international titles and climbing the BWF rankings, his ambitions are as boundless as his work ethic.
Integral to his progress is the unwavering support of his mentor, Coach Uttsav Mishra, and the Goa Badminton Association. Aarush is quick to express his gratitude: “I owe a lot to Uttsav sir—he has been my mentor, my guide, and the one who has shaped me into the player I am today. The Goa Badminton Association has always supported me—whether it’s handling tournament entries, coordinating with BAI, or providing guidance when needed.” Such mentorship not only hones his technical skills but also builds the resilient mindset needed to face older, more experienced opponents.
For young aspirants dreaming of a similar journey, Aarush offers both encouragement and a cautionary note. “To every young player out there—believe in yourself and stay dedicated. Success in badminton, or any sport, demands immense sacrifice. There will be days of exhaustion, setbacks, and moments of doubt, but staying disciplined and focused is what makes the difference.” His words echo the promise that, with passion and perseverance, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.
With that, he grabs his racket and jogs back to court. Somewhere in Dakar, the countdown to 2026 just got louder.
