PANAJI: Goa will witness first bit of sport league action of the pandemic-era season 2020-21 when the first edition of Sanquelim Badminton League (SBL) organised by Sanquelim Shuttlers under the aegis of Goa Badminton Association (GBA), will be staged from October 30 to November 1 at the multipurpose stadium, Sanquelim.
Players & Teams
Some of the top shuttlers from the Bicholim and Sattari talukas namely Karan Dhavaskar, Nilesh Parab, Sohan Naik, Rudra Phadte, Aryan Phatarpekar, Prasad Ajgaonkar, Siraj Wadkar, Abhishek Swamy, Omkar Fulari, Nomaa Sancoalcar, Mayushri Ajgaonkar and Roopam Sancoalcar; will be in action across nine teams formed after a players auction on the lines of India’s Premier Badminton League.
Over 80 shuttlers were part of the auction where nine 9 teams, namely: Genius Fighters, La Tara Smashers, Parthivi’s Supersmasher, Ninja Strikers, Overlockedd Droppers, AG Thrashers, MLT Shuttlers, Chaitanya Smashers and Crystal Badminators; battled to form competitive outfits.
GBA president Narahar Thakur termed SBL as a great opportunity for the upcoming players.
“An excellent opportunity for badminton players from the talukas of Sattari and Bicholim to compete in a very exciting format. Many players from these talukas have been performing well in recent years and this championship gives them a platform to explore their skills in a very professional set-up and environment.”
Narahar Thakur, GBA president
According to GBA secretary Sandeep Heble, SBL will inspire other affiliated units to organise competitions in the new-normal.
“The Sanquelim Badminton League is a great platform to start the season. The organising club, Sanquelim Shuttlers, are one of our youngest members, but amongst the most active. The Badminton League is great news for the competing players who will get an opportunity to play against their best counterparts. In these difficult pandemic times, Sanquelim Shuttlers are paving the way which is a big boost to the Association as well as other clubs who can take similar initiatives in other areas by adhering to SOPs and safety norms,” said Heble.
The three-day event will open on October 30 and the inaugural function will be graced by Sulakshana Sawant and Pravinjay Pandit, Mamlatdar, Bicholim. The semi-finals will be held on November 1 at 10am, while the finals will be held on Sunday at 5pm. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant will be the chief guest for the finals while GBA president Thakur will be the guest of honour.
