Day four of the Indian Masters National Badminton Championship witnessed thrilling battles as Goa’s top players fought valiantly against some of the best in the country. Former India stars Abhinn Shyam Gupta, Nikhil Kanetkar, Jaison Xavier, and Amrish Shinde showcased their class, while Goa’s Sandhya Melasheemi stormed into the semi-finals and Leena Dhapre moved into the quarter-finals with dominant performances.
Sandhya continued her impressive run in the Women’s 40+ category, comfortably defeating Arpana Chauhan (DLI) [7] 21-8, 21-10 to secure a place in the semifinals. In Women’s 50+, Leena Pednekar Dhapre was in top form as she crushed top seed Urvashi Thapa (HP) 21-4, 21-9 in the Round of 16. However, Betty Dourado (GOA) bowed out in the Women’s 40+ pre-quarters, losing 8-21, 13-21 to Amrita Mukherjee (CAG).
Among the men, Govind Navelkar (GOA) gave top-seeded and India International Abhinn Shyam Gupta (UP) [1] a huge scare before going down 21-16, 11-21, 7-21 in the Men’s 45+ pre-quarterfinals. Navaneet Nasnodkar and Jatinder Singh (GOA) also fought bravely but fell short against top seeds B. Antony and M.K.K. (CAG) [1], losing 11-21, 15-21 in the Men’s 35+ Round of 16.
In mixed doubles, Kamlesh Kanji (GOA) and Suja Das Nair (MAH) outplayed Surya Rao T.V.R. and Sowmya C.C. (TS) 21-19, 21-12 to enter the pre quarterfinals. Meanwhile, former India International Jaison Xavier (KER) and Nisha Jayanandan (KER) secured their quarterfinal spot with a 23-21, 21-14 win over Vineet Dabak and Swapnal Chakra (MAH).
Goa’s Sandhya Melasheemi and Sangeetha Mari (KTK) [1] progressed to the Quarter finals in Women’s 40+ Doubles, defeating Nupura Gadgil and Pooja Patil (MAH/KTK) 21-16, 21-18. However, in Men’s 40+ Doubles, Amit Kakkar and Krishnanand Vasant (GOA) were stopped by second seeds Raghavan P. and Varun Sharma (KTK/CHG) [2], who won 21-8, 21-15 in the pre quarter finals match.
Among other former India stars, Nikhil Kanetkar and Upendra Fadnis (MAH) showcased their experience with a commanding 21-13, 21-12 win over Ashish Khedikar and Sandeep Mohite (MAH) in Men’s 45+ Doubles Round of 16. Amrish Shinde (GUJ) and Jaison Xavier (KER) stormed into the quarterfinals in Men’s 50+ Doubles, outclassing Muthukumaraswamya M.G. and Maran (TN) 21-11, 21-4.
