Goa veterans players Juliana Colaco and Roselin Bunyan won a bronze medal in Women’s Doubles 65+ age-group at the 45th Yonex Sunrise Indian Masters National Badminton championships.
The championship was organised by Goa Badminton Association under the aegis of Badminton Association of India and in collaboration with the Sports Authority of Goa and concluded on Sunday in Navelim, South Goa. The pair lost 12-21, 12-21 to Savithri Mohan Raj, MAH, and Neera Parischa, UP in the semi-finals to secure bronze for Goa.
Juliana Gurjao e Colaco is a retired former Deputy Director of Sports & Youth Affairs and an Ex-International Footballer (captained Indian team) from 1978 to 1983. She has also played Hockey, Basketball, and Volleyball for Goa, besides being a former Civil Services badminton champion. Colaco is also a recipient of the Bakshi Bhahdur Jivabadada State Sports Award 1982, the Yashadamini Purushkar 2002, and the current State champion in Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Both her parents were Badminton Champions in Tanzania.
Roseline Bunyan is an outstanding athlete who has won various medals and laurels in Masters athletics and is a state-ranked player in Masters age-group. Together, Colaco and Bunyan put up a strong performance in the tournament, showcasing their skills and team-work on the court.
“The Indian Masters Badminton championships witnessed some of the best veteran players in the country, and the victory of Goa Veterans players Juliana Colaco and Roselin Bunyan has brought great pride and recognition to Goa. The outstanding performance at the championship has not only brought home a bronze medal but also established them as role models for other players especially to women. Their remarkable achievement is sure to bring many more women forward to keep playing the sport”, stated Sandeep Heble, the GBA Secretary.
