Disability Alliance for Inclusive Goa and Tinkesh Ability Foundation organised an inclusive badminton tournament at Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium in Navelim, on Sunday. The event featured Para-athletes (both wheelchair and standing categories), persons with hearing impairments, and U15 boys and girls in the general category, creating a true blend of sporting talent and inclusivity.
The tournament drew a total of 49 participants, with 16 Para-athletes competing across the wheelchair and standing categories, 16 athletes with hearing impairments (11 boys and 5 girls), and 16 U-15 participants in the general category (15 boys and 1 girl).
In the Para Wheelchair category, Stany Dsouza clinched the gold, with Gauresh Marathe taking home silver and Moises Rodrigues securing bronze medal.
Founders of Tinkesh Ability Foundation – Tinkesh Kaushik and Sydenstrica Gautam Staden; Yogiraj Kamat, President of the BPS Club, graced the occasion.
In the Para Standing category, Fleev Andrade won gold, Melvin Mendes earned silver, and Santosh Gawas took the bronze.
The Under 15 boys’ category saw Sparsh Kolwalkar winning the gold, Shaan C K claiming silver, and Vishwa Atul Parab finishing with bronze. In the Under 15 girls’ category, Rukrakshi Bharati emerged victorious.
In the hearing-impaired category, the female athletes were led by Poorva Gauns, who won the gold, followed by Prachita Gaude with silver and Sadiya Bandodkar with bronze.
The male athletes in the hearing-impaired category saw Prasad Joshi win gold, Rahul Kunkolikar take silver, and Lakhan Anandani secure the bronze. Manthan Naik also made his mark by winning the gold in the Para SH category.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Miguel Afonso proprietor of Royal Classic Builders and Albino Fernandes, proprietor of Royal Builders and Developers, as chief guest who presented awards to the winners.
In his inaugural speech, Yogiraj praised the concept of inclusive sports and encouraged the organisers to continue hosting such events. He emphasised that such initiatives could inspire general sports organisers to adopt similar approaches in their own events, thus promoting inclusivity in sports.
Stany Dsouza, Secretary of the Disability Alliance for Inclusive Goa, delivered the closing address. He expressed his gratitude to all the participants and special guests for their support and emphasised the importance of inclusion. Dsouza highlighted that for many years, Para athletes had been advocating for the inclusion of Para categories in general badminton associations in Goa. Many associations failed to accept the request, however, persons with disabilities themselves organised this momentous tournament which marked a significant milestone in that effort, as it not only organized sports for Para athletes but also incorporated U15 general category players in a truly inclusive manner. He further remarked, “If persons with disabilities can include the general category, then why should organisers of general category events hesitate to include Para categories in their sporting events?”
Meanwhile, in a gesture of support for the athletes -Shamshudin, a parent of one of the Under 15 participants and the owner of a sports shop in Margao, offered a generous 40% discount of purchase of trophies and 25% discount on all sports equipment for players with disabilities. This gesture was inspired by the enthusiasm and determination of the Para athletes, who had organised a state-level tournament on their own. The initiative was warmly received by the participants, further underscoring the importance of supporting the diverse group of athletes with disabilities in their sporting endeavours.
