Former Indian badminton player crowned Mrs India USA 2019

Athletes are no strangers to big dreams with visions and goals powerful enough to fuel one through a tough training regime or seemingly insurmountable injuries. But there are a few who actually see these dreams through to fruition. Former Indian No. 3 shuttler Kadambari Chheda Donvalkar nurtured the same. A giggly teenager most often seen in badminton outfits, then a PhD holder, and now even embarking on a modelling career -- does that take you by surprise?

Born and brought up in Mumbai, Kadambari was ranked No. 3 in the country in the Under-19 girls singles and No. 1 in the girls doubles paired with Sanyogita Ghorpade not a long time ago. In a relatively short time, she has managed to break into the competitive industry as she clinched the ‘Mrs. India USA Oregon 2019’ title in Seattle, Washington recently. Kadambari is presently based in Portland, Oregon after her marriage.

The 29-year-old Kadambari is the finest example of one with a perfect balance between sports and academics, and now modelling. She has several state level and national level titles to her name. Having represented India at the Indonesia Open in 2008 with Saina Nehwal in the team, Kadambari was part of the Indian University badminton team that participated in the 2010 World University Championships.

Post win, an elated Kadambari, wrote in a Facebook post:

“Proud and delighted to be crowned as the new winner of the ‘Mrs. India Oregon USA 2019’! This experience was surreal and one which shall be cherished forever. Thank you, everyone, who has been supporting me throughout this journey! I now look forward to support the initiatives that are closer to heart...Thanks, Ravishing Organisation for organising a beautiful event! Proud to be part of Team Oregon USA!” (sic)

The pageant contest, organised by Ravishing Women Organisation, is one of the biggest beauty contests at the international level outside India. Kadambari, a PhD in economics, is currently Oregon USA state women’s badminton champion besides being a certified coach at the Oregon Badminton Academy in Portland (USA).