NAVELIM: The All-India Masters Ranking Badminton Tournament concluded at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor stadium, here in South Goa on Sunday night.
After the hosts wonderful performance was capped by former national champion Sandhya Melasheemi, winning a gold and silver medals in the 35+ women’s doubles and singles events respectively on the final day; Goa’s former state champion and ex-India player, Leena Pednekar Dhapre provided double delight as she won a gold in women’s singles 45+, followed by another gold in women’s doubles 40+, partnering Gujarat’s Pooja Mehta.
Goa’s Ayoob C.K, partnering Kerala’s Xavier Raphael surpassed all expectations to win silver in men’s doubles 50+ category.
Several prominent players from across India including many former National champions were seen in action during the eight-day event organised by Goa Badminton Association under the aegis of Badminton Association of India. The tournament also served as the selection event for the prestigious BWF World championships 2021 in Spain.
Other events winners: Raghavan P./ Varun Sharma (Men’s Doubles 35+), Banu S. / Shalini Shetty (WD 45+), Abhinn Shyam Gupta (MS 40+), Aneesh K. A. / Vijay Lancy (MD 45+) and Vidhyadhar J. B. S. / Nupura Gadgil (Mixed Doubles 40+).
Among other Goan players to qualify from 35+ to 50+ age-groups for Spain by virtue of reaching quarters were Kanji brothers Sandip and Kamlesh, Wilfred Jacques, Amit Kakkar, Vishal Vernekar, Oscar Silveira and Angelo Dias.
“Goa players performed beyond expectations. We had camp of 10 days where we could improve on their finer points. Several Goan players have now qualified for the BWF World Championships in Spain and we should put in more efforts now by having a one-month preparatory camp to prepare our players for the World championship where we can expect a few medals,” stated the Goan team’s coach Vinayak Kamat.
Margao MLA & Opposition Leader Digambar Kamat, Manoj Patil (Businessman & Sports Promoter), O.D. Sharma(Chairman, Tournament Committee, BAI), Rakesh Shekhar (Observer, BAI) along with Narahar Thakur (GBA President), Sandeep Heble (GBA Secretary) graced the closing ceremony.
