PANAJI: Goa Badminton Association’s proactive approach has excited the state shuttlers as an elite players league is now taking shape as part of the plans chalked out by the GBA to galvanise the circuit following the pandemic-enforced disruption.
GBA secretary, Sandeep Heble announced the plans, saying: “Our executive committee meeting held on Saturday has approved hosting one National Ranking event in Sub-Juniors category which we are likely to organise later this year. The friendly league held amongst the State’s elite players witnessed a great response and State players are very excited about it. A more formal structure on similar lines will be devised and will take shape later this month. State Ranking tournaments will also commence shortly. There will be added emphasis on coaching and training at various centres across Goa and more League Team events will be held during coming months. A super active calendar and great days ahead for badminton.”
GBA in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Goa had organised a friendly one day ‘Super league’ badminton event featuring elite players on Saturday, February 6 at Indoor stadium, Campal. Arjun Fallary, Tejan Fallary, Harsh Mane, Sushil Nayak, Floyd Araujo, Ayaan Shaikh, Yash Halarnkar, Parth Kantak, Sunny Sawant, Sachi Dhavalikar, Jia Kamat, Sriya Saraf, Malaika Lobo, Yash Desai, Sarvadnya Khandeparkar, Soumya Deshpande, Disha Dutta among others participated in the league. Events were held in singles, doubles and mixed doubles.
GBA president Narahar Thakur, who is also Joint-Secretary of BAI spelt out few details about the BAI’s plans.
“Badminton Association of India’s AGM was held few days back where it was decided to resume the Ranking tournaments from April onwards. Some changes have also been done in the National Senior ranking tournaments which will be held with a revamped 3 level structure and increased prize money. The lucrative prize money along with a revamped professional structure is a game changing approach which can take the game to an even higher level and players are extremely delighted about this. As the game grows, all other States will benefit immensely too,” Thakur.
