Parag Chauhan – Kamlesh Kanji, Dr Sandeep Fowker – Kapil Kanji, and Tanaji Sawant – Pradeep Dhond have qualified to represent India in the Badminton Asia Senior Championships 2026, scheduled to be held from November 16 to 22, 2026, at Gwangju, South Korea. All three Goan pairs will compete in the doubles events in their respective age categories – 45+, 50+ and 70+.
The qualification follows their performances at the Yonex Sunrise 48th Indian Masters (Veteran) National Badminton Championships 2025-26 held earlier in Goa in March, which served as the qualifying benchmark. While Dr Sandeep Fowker / Kapil Kanji and Tanaji Sawant / Pradeep Dhond secured quarter-final finishes, meeting the minimum qualification criteria, Parag Chauhan / Kamlesh Kanji went a step further to clinch a bronze medal.
Congratulating the players, Praveen Shenoy, Secretary, Goa Badminton Association (GBA), said, “What is particularly commendable is that many of these Masters players also participate in Senior Men and Women tournaments, where they compete against much younger players and at times take the fight up to them. Their enthusiasm and competitive spirit are truly inspiring.”
Manoj Patil, President, GBA, added, “Fitness is essential for both physical and mental well-being, and these players are excellent examples of how sport can remain an integral part of our lives at any age. Their dedication to maintaining fitness and continuing to compete at a high level is something that others, irrespective of age, should emulate. We wish all three pairs the very best for the Asian Championships.”
