Samarth Sakhalkar
PANAJI
The Yonex-Sunrise All India Sub Junior (U-13) Ranking Badminton Tournament 2025, being held at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium in Navelim, kicked off with the qualifying rounds on Monday. The tournament is being organised by the Goa Badminton Association under the aegis of the Badminton Association of India and the Sports Authority of Goa, with the main draw beginning on June 25.
Goa’s young talent stole the limelight on day one, with eight-year-old Amaira Dhumatkar registering an impressive 15-7, 15-12 win over Telangana’s Sreshta Nirvana Kalva in the Girls U13 Singles ROUND 1. In the U13 Boys Singles, Vishwa Parab breezed past Adarsh Gore (MAH) 15-12, 15-2 IN Round one, while Samarth Sakhalkar edged out Karnataka’s Akshaj Gatty in a thrilling 15-12, 7-15, 15-13 contest in round two. Daksh Kamat too advanced to round three after receiving a walkover against Samar Sankar Lal (KTK).
Among other Goa' top ranked players, Krithik Reddy S and Varun Sahakari lost close matches, while Pratik Naik Borkar, Rushank Kulkarni, Vihaan Sahakari, and Saksham Mhapuskar also exited early after putting up brave fights. In the girls’ category, Aditi Dhargalkar fought hard before going down to Akshara V. (KTK), while Komal Kothari and Ashbah Tahasildar lost to Anisha Pinge (MAH) and Deechum Likha (ANP), respectively.
Among nationally qualifying ranked players, second seed Kyon Tamin (ANP) defeated Krishna Tejas Pandravada (KTK) 15-5, 15-9; third seed Jatin Saraf (MAH) overcame Shreyansh Dahiya (HAR) in a tight 16-14, 15-7 battle; and fourth seed Kian Yadav (RAJ) eased past Diyan Parekh (MAH) 15-6, 15-9. A key upset came from Khush Dixit (MAH), who stunned fifth seed Hiten (DLI) 15-12, 15-11 in a straight-game win.
