Former international athlete Madhuri Gurnule reaches badminton final

NAGPUR: Once a champion always a champion. No matter what the situation is, or in Madhuri Gurnule's case no matter what the sports is. Showing her remarkable all-round skill or shall we say all-sport skill, Madhuri made a successful transition from athletics to badminton.
Once India's leading long distance runner, Madhuri is now trying her luck in badminton.After scorching athletics track for years, she is now wielding a racquet on the badminton court.
Regulars at the Subhedar Hall were taken aback when they saw Madhuri playing badminton. The former international athlete sprang further surprise by reaching the women's singles final of the LIC's Nagpur Division badminton selection tournament. The event concluded at the Subhedar Hall on Saturday.
After beating Kirti Chouhan of Gondia in the three-game semifinal, Madhuri was up against the defending champion Anushri Kumbhare in the final, an hour later.
Although, Madhuri fought well against the winner of last few years, she could not cross the final hurdle. After losing the first game narrowly, Madhuri made a strong comeback and won the next 21-17 to level the scores.
However, Madhuri could not cross the finish line on a perfect note, which she had done on numerous occasions on the athletics track. Anushri won the final 21-16, 17-21, 21-3.
The winner of Nagpur Division automatically qualifies for the zonal tournament which will be held at Aurangabad in the first week of August. Madhuri missed the bus by a whisker.
"After quitting athletics, I started playing badminton for fitness a couple of years back. I used to reach quarters and semis. But this time I made it to the final. Hopefully, next year I will go a step further and clinch the title," Madhuri told TOI on Saturday.
She added that the reason behind an improved performance this year was regular practice. "I am very new to this game. I have learnt from athletics that hard work is the only key to success. Same rule applies to every sport," added Madhuri.
The men's final was won by Subhash Thakre, who beat Manoj Bokade in straight games.