The month march was extremely hectic . I had all 3 national age groups – Under 15, 17 and 19. First I had the under 15 nationals. I played extremely well in both my doubles disciplines and ended up winning both doubles and mixed. Singles didn’t turn out so great. The semi finals turned out to be a bit of a disaster and ended up losing. It was a reasonable weekend but I was hoping my under 17 nationals would turn out better.

I was wrong. Got knocked out in mixed doubles to the top seeds in the quarter finals which was probably the best part of the weekend. My terrible singles play continued to be knocked out in the Last 16 and we barely managed to scrape through to the doubles semis. unfortunately we had to pull out due to my partner having conjunctivitus.

Finally the under 19 nationals approached and considering i was 4 years young, i really wasn’t expecting anything. As it turned out, this tournament seemed to be my best. In singles I played my best game and managed to get to the semis, narrowly losing to the number 1 seed. I somehow reached the same stage in the under 19 nationals as I did in the under 15 which everyone found amusing. In the doubles, we also reached the semis, losing to a pair we had beaten before. Although it was a disappointing doubles result, I was not complaining about the £100 I received for getting to the semis. Overall, it was a tiresome yet enjoyable month.

March 2012 proved to be a GREAT month for me in more ways than one. After winning two national titles in my age-group (u15), I went on to win a bronze medal in u17 nationals and reached two semis in u19 nationals – first time by any u15 player.

This was not all… BADMINTON England selected 6 players to visit Number 10, Downing Street – PM’s official residence on 28th March. I was one of the THREE girls! Still find it hard to believe that I have been to Number 10 twice in less than 6 months – the first visit being in October 2011. Then, I was invited to attend the Diwali Celebration event with PM – David Cameron and believe it or not, lit the traditional lamp with him and the Indian High Commissioner. How I wish my good luck continues … Fingers crossed!

I am off to Malmo, Sweden on 25th – coming Wednesday for u17 – Six Nations event. I hope to do well in both, team and individual events which would be a BIG ask in an age-group two years higher than mine. Please wish me luck!