Rising Badminton Star Sarunrak Vitidsarn Makes Mark Alongside World Champion Brother
Ashley
Sat Oct 12 2024
The reigning men's singles badminton world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn has a talented younger sister, Nguyễn Thùy Linh, who is also making waves in the badminton world. Sarunrak Vitidsarn, just 18 years old, is showcasing her prowess at the World Junior Badminton Championships, following in the footsteps of her illustrious brother.
Five years ago, Kunlavut Vitidsarn achieved a remarkable hat-trick of titles at the World Junior Badminton Championships, establishing himself as a global star in the sport. His recent successes include clinching the world championship title last year and securing a silver medal at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. The presence of Sarunrak Vitidsarn in the badminton scene has generated high hopes, with the 18-year-old demonstrating her talent by confidently reaching the quarterfinals of the World Junior Badminton Championships 2024 after defeating Lucie Krulova from the Czech Republic.
Despite battling an Achilles tendon injury since January, Sarunrak has had a successful season. Her commendable performances include finishing as the runner-up at the Dutch Junior International and capturing three consecutive titles - the German Junior, Alpes International, and a double triumph at the Croatia Valamar Junior Open, before making it to the semifinals at the Asia Junior Championships. Sarunrak expressed that while previously feeling pressure to emulate her brother, she now draws inspiration from him to play her best without comparing herself to his achievements.
Inspired by Kunlavut's philosophy of playing badminton to learn rather than focusing solely on winning, Sarunrak seeks to adopt a similar mindset. She values her brother's guidance and feedback on her game, utilizing his insights to enhance her skills and approach matches with improved strategies. In the quarterfinals, Sarunrak faced off against a formidable opponent, Yuan An Qi of China, amidst tough competition from other top-contending players in the tournament.
Sarunrak Vitidsarn's journey in badminton, guided by the wisdom and counsel of her world champion brother Kunlavut, exemplifies a promising future for the young talent. Her dedication to continuous improvement, learning from setbacks, and embracing the essence of the sport is propelling her towards greater success in the badminton arena. As Sarunrak navigates her path alongside her accomplished sibling, her determination and talent promise a bright future ahead in the world of badminton.