Sharmada, Reshma earn wildcards for ITF W15 Bengaluru

Sharmada Balu who finished as the runner-up in the National Championship this year and current U-18 India No.1 Reshma Maruri have been has awarded a wildcard by the KSLTA for the upcoming ITF Women’s $15,000 Bengaluru to be played at the KSLTA Stadium from November 28.

Hon. Secretary of KSLTA, Maheshwar Rao while announcing the wildcards here on Thursday said: “KSLTA is pleased to announce the wild cards to two of best prospects from Karnataka, Sharmada Balu and Reshma Maruri. Sharmada is an experienced player whereas Reshma is an upcoming player and the No. 1 ranked junior in the country. We wish they use these wild cards to gain the required experience and build on their International ranking.”

The 28-year-old Sharmada who was a gold medal winner at the South Asian Federation Games in 2016 said that she was thrilled to get a direct entry via the wildcard. “I am thankful to KSLTA for giving me a wild card. I will try and justify the faith reposed by KSLTA in my talent,” said Sharmada who has 16 doubles and two singles ITF International titles.

Reshma meanwhile has been the country’s top U-18 player since a while and was the U-19 National champion in 2019. “I am excited to be a part of the KSLTA ITF World Women’s Tour event as I think it is a chance to rub shoulders with some of the best players in the country. I thank the KSLTA for awarding me a wild card and I shall try my best to win the championship, said former ITF Junior champion.