Telugu girl Madhu Smruthi earns place in Ireland’s national badminton team

Hyderabad: A Telugu girl, Madhu Smruthi, has made a mark in badminton after being selected for the Ireland national under-17 team for the forthcoming Swedish Youth Games, scheduled to be held from November 13 to 15.

The Games are part of the Badminton Europe circuit. Smruthi is one of the four girls selected for the Irish national team, which also includes a four-member boys’ team.

Significantly, 13-year-old Smruthi is the only Indian-origin player and also the youngest member of the squad.

Earlier, she represented Ireland in the European Under-17 Championship in Norway.

Smruthi, daughter of Guntur-born Rajeshbabu and Hyderabadi Pooja, was inspired to take up badminton after watching her grandfather, Kumaraswamy, who is now based in Hyderabad and regularly competes in Masters swimming championships, winning medals consistently.

Rajeshbabu has been living in Ireland since 2005, after moving there from London.

Smruthi, currently studying in Class VII, will represent Ireland after winning several national titles in the Under-13 category and defeating senior players in the Under-15 and Under-17 championships.

Her consistent performances have helped her attain the No. 1 ranking in the Under-13 and Under-15 age categories and fourth place in the Under-17 category.