After SAG success, Ashmita eyes good show in PBL, top 50 spot

Brimming with confidence after winning double gold at the 13 South Asian Games, India's Ashmita Chaliha says she wants to break into the world's top 50 next year and is hoping to make a mark at the upcoming Premier Badminton League.

The 20-year-old from Assam was recently crowned the women's singles champion at the ongoing South Asian Games in Nepal, one of the biggest achievements of her fledgling career.

Ashmita could not live up to her expectations this season after being left on the sidelines due to injury. But the double gold she won at the South Asian Games has boosted her confidence.

"This year, 2019 has been more of downs than ups for me. I was recovering from an injury so I couldn't perform well in my tournaments. But of late, gradually I've gained my momentum leading to my win in Jodhpur All India Rankings, which is also my first title of the year," she said.

"Also, my team (India) and I recently won a couple of gold medals in the South Asian Games in Nepal.

"So, with this, I've learnt that patience & persistence are the key that make unbeatable combination for success. I believe that the only thing that matters apart from hard work is to have faith and believe in oneself."