CHENNAI: The year was 2022 when Rithvik Sanjeevi became the first player from Tamil Nadu to win a singles title at a national ranking tournament. Fast forward two years, and on Sunday the 22-year-old claimed the men’s singles crown at the Senior National Badminton Championship in Vijayawada.

Between those two victories, the 2024 Odisha Masters winner believes his psychology sessions have played a decisive role in improving his composure and reflexes, qualities he said were central to his latest title triumph. He had suffered a grade-three ankle tear in the early months of 2024 and was sidelined for an extended spell. Instead of opting for surgery, he chose a period of rest before returning to court later that year, but admitted he was still not at his best. It was at that stage, he said, that he began psychology sessions to regain confidence and strengthen his mental approach.

“Physically, I was strong but mentally I was not there yet, so I started psychologist sessions six months back and I think that has been the big difference between the old and new me,” Rithvik told DT Next.
The world No 88 had a relatively quiet start to 2025 before lifting the title at the Mangalore International in November, where he fought back to defeat Rounak Chouhan 14-21, 21-19, 21-19.

“This year had a slow start, the mind was holding me back. I was not consulting a psychologist back then. I do not personally like taking psychology sessions but I thought I would give it a try, and once I started, I could see the difference,” he said.

Rithvik added that the sessions have helped him manage tense moments in matches, particularly when the scores are tied or when he finds himself uncomfortable on court. He said the breathing techniques, focus on self-confidence and composure advised by the psychologist were evident in Sunday’s final.

Having won the opening game, he came under pressure in the second when Bharat Raghav opened up a 9-5 lead, but the Tamil Nadu shuttler responded with six consecutive points to regain control before closing out the match.

Looking ahead, Rithvik said he will begin next year with tournaments in Thailand and Indonesia, with an emphasis on improving his world ranking. He added that he plans to take a month’s break later in the year for a special training camp at the Hatsun Academy in Thiruthangal.

The men’s doubles title was won by Hariharan Amsakarunan and R Ruban Kumar, who defeated P Krishnan and Prejan 21-17, 21-12.