Arvind and Hans reminisced about their encounter 8 years later on Twitter
Introduction:
In the world of badminton, there are often unsung heroes whose remarkable achievements remain hidden from the spotlight. One such tale of triumph emerged in the 2014 German Open, where Arvind Bhat, a name lesser known to many, etched his name in the annals of badminton history with an astonishing victory. Join me as we unravel the captivating journey of Arvind Bhat and his unforgettable conquest in one of badminton’s prestigious tournaments.
The Rise of Arvind Bhat:
Prior to the 2014 German Open, Arvind Bhat’s name might not have resonated widely in badminton circles. However, his prowess on the court was undeniable. In a notable encounter against Viktor Axelsen during the quarterfinals, Arvind secured a memorable victory with a stellar performance. Arvind leads 1-0 in Head-To-Head against Axelsen. They have only ever played in the 2014 German Open quarterfinals where Arvind won 21-17, 21-14.
A Triumph Against All Odds:
What followed was a series of sensational matches that solidified Arvind’s presence in the tournament. Overcoming formidable opponents like Chou Tien Chen in a hard-fought semifinal 21-12, 12-21, 22-20 and eventually clinching the title after a fierce battle in the final upsetting 12th-seeded Hans-Kristian Vittinghus 24-22, 19-21, 21-11; Arvind’s journey to victory was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite being ranked 87th at the time, he defied expectations and emerged triumphant, leaving an indelible mark on the badminton world.
The Twitter conversation between Arvind Bhatt and Hans-Kristian Vittinghus
In September 2022, I posted a Twitter thread and it was noticed by the two players. In a heartwarming exchange on Twitter, Arvind and Hans-Kristian Vittinghus reminisced about their memorable encounter at the 2014 German Open. Hans-Kristian, despite facing challenges during the match, acknowledged Arvind’s exceptional performance and shared insights into their intense battle on the court. Read the tweets:
Sure I do! Arvind, who is a great guy, had a crazy run in that event. He was all about right net and smash – and put pressure on the serve. Viktor couldn’t serve to him at all 😅 My short serve was also a bit shady already at that time, so I was also struggling in that part.
— HK Vittinghus (@hkvittinghus) September 10, 2022
That’s also severely hampered my All England preparations the week after although I dont recall how I got on there on the top of my head.
— HK Vittinghus (@hkvittinghus) September 10, 2022
Bonus info on Arvind: it was kind of his farewell event. He had lived and trained a lot in Germany, so it was a very special place for him!
He was even coached by his German club coach thru the entire event 👍🏻
— HK Vittinghus (@hkvittinghus) September 10, 2022
Quite the story for him, no doubt.
It’s a long time ago now, but no doubt I feel kind of like it was a missed opportunity to win a big title for me. That’s sports though 😊
Yeah I still remember watching most of your match against him from the players seats 👍🏻
— HK Vittinghus (@hkvittinghus) September 12, 2022
And btw not trying to make excuses with the back issue, I might very well had lost anyway. Was just trying to give insight to my experience of the match. I do remember it as a good final!
True-Germany being my second home and all that I was feeling quite heady in the tournament throughout.
— ARVIND BHAT (@bhat_bat) September 12, 2022
Don't forget, you yourself won the German Open at 34 😉
— Ansh Garg (@anshgates) September 12, 2022
Transition to Coaching:
Arvind’s journey didn’t end with his remarkable victory at the 2014 German Open. Following his illustrious playing career, he transitioned into coaching, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with aspiring badminton enthusiasts. His role as the Head Coach of the Bengaluru Raptors team in the Premier Badminton League (PBL) further underscores his commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.
A Legacy Remembered:
Arvind Bhat’s triumph at the 2014 German Open serves as a testament to the resilience, skill, and passion that define the spirit of badminton. His remarkable journey from relative obscurity to championship glory inspires aspiring athletes and reminds us that greatness knows no bounds. As we celebrate his legacy, let us continue to honor the unsung heroes who enrich the world of sports with their extraordinary feats.
Conclusion:
The story of Arvind Bhat’s victory at the 2014 German Open stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring spirit of sportsmanship. His remarkable journey serves as a source of inspiration for badminton enthusiasts worldwide, reminding us that with dedication and determination, anything is possible on and off the court. As we applaud his achievements, let us carry forward the lessons learned from his triumph and strive to reach greater heights in our own endeavors.
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