The 47th Indian Masters National Badminton Championship 2025 qualification rounds kicked off at Peddem Indoor Stadium, Mapusa, with an action-packed day of qualification rounds. 504 matches were held across 18 courts as veterans and former international stars began their battles for national honors.
Local players made a strong statement on the opening day, with Sahil Bhutani and Mihir Desai securing a hard-fought victory in the Men’s Doubles 35+ category, overcoming Nikhil Mansukhani and Aditya Swami 15-12, 5-15, 18-16 in a gripping contest. In the Men’s Doubles 45+ category, Goa’s Parag Chauhan and Govind Navelkar dominated their match against Ananda Kumar J. and Ramesh Kumar S. Antony, winning comfortably 15-5, 15-10. Another Goan pair, Arnaldo Rodrigues and Praveen Shenoy, also impressed, defeating Lenin Madhu and Anand N.P. 15-8, 15-9 to advance to the next round.
Among other key results, Upendra Fadnis and former India International player Nikhil Kanetkar (MAH/RBI) showcased their class in the Men’s Doubles 45+ category, overcoming Madhu K. and Amel Dev S. 15-10, 15-11. Fadnis later teamed up with Anika Lele in the Mixed Doubles 45+ event, registering a commanding 15-3, 15-6 win over Anurag Shukla and Diana Reuben.
The Men’s Doubles 50+ category also witnessed exciting matches, with top playes Amrish Shinde and Jaison Xavier defeating Nehru G. and Elangeswaran P. 15-11, 15-6, while Gurdeep Singh Arora and Manish Bhati battled past A. Aravind and A. Govindankutty Nambiar in a thrilling three-setter 13-15, 15-11, 15-12. In the Mixed Doubles 40+ category, the duo of M. Behal and R. Ingalhalikar edged out Manish Rawat and Nupura Gadgil in a nail-biting match 15-13, 15-17, 16-14.
With the tournament gaining momentum, fans can expect even more high-octane matches in the coming days as top-seeded players and former national champions enter the fray. The main draw matches are set to begin on March 17, promising exciting action as the road to the BWF World Seniors Championship selection continues.
