Just four days have passed since Rutuja Bhosale achieved a historic gold medal victory in mixed-doubles tennis at the 2023 Asian Games, held in Hangzhou. Rutuja partnered with the legendary Rohan Bopanna, creating a remarkable pairing that shocked many. In an exclusive conversation with Hindustan Times Digital, Rutuja reflects on her remarkable journey, the unexpected partnership with Bopanna, their developing bond, and the unforgettable final match where they secured a stunning comeback win against Tsung-Hao Huang and En-Shuo Liang from Chinese Taipei, with a score of 2-6, 6-3, 10-4.
As Rutuja savors this achievement, she also harbors dreams of participating in prestigious events like the Australian Open and the Olympics. She is grateful for the substantial support she has received from the Punit Balan Group (PBG), an organization dedicated to nurturing Indian sporting talent across various disciplines. Rutuja has been in partnership with PBG since June of the previous year.
Despite the whirlwind of events and accolades, Rutuja acknowledges that the full weight of her gold medal victory has not yet sunk in. The hectic schedule since her return from Hangzhou, including a grand reception at the airport and a felicitation by Sports Minister Anurag Thakur, has left little time for reflection. She notes that Wednesday is her first relatively free day since the triumphant win, allowing her to begin processing the magnitude of her achievement.
Rutuja’s journey to gold was not without its twists and turns. The partnership with Rohan Bopanna was an unexpected one, described by Rutuja as “shocking.” However, over the course of their campaign, the two players forged a strong bond that contributed to their success on the court. Rutuja and Bopanna’s remarkable comeback in the final match showcased their resilience and determination, leaving an indelible mark on Asian Games history.
The warm reception Rutuja received upon her return to India highlighted the significance of her achievement. Crowds gathered at the airport to welcome her, and videos circulated of people celebrating her success with dance and joy. Rutuja acknowledges that the support and enthusiasm from her fellow countrymen and women have added to the joy of her victory, making it even more memorable.
As Rutuja Bhosale continues to bask in the glory of her gold medal triumph, she remains focused on her future goals, driven by the support of her sponsors, PBG, and the unwavering encouragement of her fans and well-wishers. Her remarkable journey from unexpected partnership to Asian Games gold serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across India.
