Fuelled by father’s unfulfilled dream: Indian-origin UAE talent Riyan's tale

THERE was a genuine buzz when India's Hmar Lalthazuala made his way into the court for his men's singles match on Wednesday. Lalthazuala, thanks to his exploits during the mixed team event just last week, had been hoping to keep up his win streak in the individual event of the ongoing BWF World Junior Championships at the National Centre of Excellence here. Around half-an-hour or so later, it was his opponent with Indian connection, Riyan Malhan, who had come under the spotlight.

- ANMOL GURUNG @ Guwahati

After being behind for large parts of the game, Riyan had shown his problem-solving skills during the tense moments in the opening essay before going on to make it a onesided contest in the second. The victory was sweeter for the teenager as Lalthazuala had proven to be a thorn in their previous two meetings not so long ago. "I had played against him recently and I had lost, it was a close match then. To play him again was a good opportunity to get a win and show my talent,