Almora: Uttarakhand’s Almora has once again made its mark on the international badminton stage as Dhruv Rawat, a resident of Pandekhola, won the Mixed Doubles gold medal at the Cameroon International Challenge 2026 held in Yaoundé (Warda), Cameroon, from September 3 to 6.
Dhruv partnered with Manisha K. and delivered an impressive performance throughout the tournament. In the quarterfinal, the Indian pair defeated Cameroon’s Jean Marie Fried Evine and Presd Renee Eunice Iono 21-6, 21-10 to enter the semifinals.
In the semifinal, Dhruv and Manisha defeated Uganda’s Muzafar Libega and Gladys Mobabaz 21-18, 21-8 to secure their place in the final.
The final proved to be a closely contested encounter against Algeria’s Kokela Mammeri and Tenina Violi Mammeri. The Indian pair held their nerve to win the match 23-21, 21-17 and claim the coveted gold medal.
The achievement is particularly significant as Dhruv has now won two international tournaments in just two weeks. He had previously won the Lagos International Challenge tournament, continuing his impressive run on the international circuit.
Dhruv’s achievement has been widely celebrated by the Uttarakhand Badminton Association and the Almora badminton fraternity. Uttarakhand Badminton Association Chief Patron and former Director General of Police Ashok Kumar, President Dr. Alaknanda Ashok, Secretary B.S. Mankoti, Treasurer Ramavatar Agrawal, along with District Badminton Association Almora President Suresh Karnatak, Vice Presidents Gokul Singh Mehta and Rakesh Jaiswal, Secretary Dr. Santosh Bisht, international badminton coach D.K. Sen, and other office-bearers, players and sports enthusiasts congratulated Dhruv on his success.
With his consistent performances in international tournaments, expectations are growing that Dhruv will soon earn a place in the Indian badminton team and represent the country at major international events. His recent achievements have also emerged as an inspiration for young badminton players in Almora and Uttarakhand.
