PANAJI
Former Goa State champion, National & BWF World Seniors medalist Sandhya Melasheemi led Goa’s charge as the main draw proceedings in the 35+ to 50+ categories got underway at the Yonex-Sunrise 48th Indian Masters (Veteran) National Badminton Championships, powered by Raisoni Foundation at Manohar Parrikar Indoor stadium in Navelim, Goa.
Sandhya registered a confident win in Women’s Singles 40+ Round of 32, defeating Laxmi Ningaiah (KTK) 21-14, 21-13. Among other notable Goan performances, Sebastian Ferrao and Ankush Patil impressed with victories in Men’s Singles 40+ to book their berth in the Pre Quarters, keeping Goa’s campaign strong in the main draw. Prateek Mahajan progressed in Men’s Singles 35+ with a convincing win over Yasharth Ojha (UP) to move into Round of 32.
Earlier, prizes were distributed to medal winners in the 55+ to 80+ categories, where Goa enjoyed notable success. Tanaji Sawant and Roseline Bunyan had clinched gold in Mixed Doubles 70+, while Dr Satish Kudchadkar stood out with gold in Men’s Singles 80 and silver in Men’s Doubles 80. Bunyan also secured a bronze in Women’s Singles 70, while Lata Kittur, partnering Sarada Devi Vedullapalli (AP), earned a bronze medal in Women’s Doubles 75+, adding to Goa’s medal tally.
The championships also witnessed exceptional performances from top Indian veterans. Manjusha Sahasrabuddhe (MAH) emerged as one of the biggest stars, completing a remarkable triple crown in WS 60, WD 60 and XD 60. Vijaya Lakshmi Gudipudi (MAH) too achieved a rare triple crown in the 75+ category, winning WS, WD and XD titles. Manik Paranjpe (MAH) secured a double crown in WS 65 and WD 65, while Punita Nagalia (UTR) dominated the 70+ category with double titles in WS and WD. Among other notable winners, the pair of Lingeswara Rao B.V.S.K. (AP) and Suzanne Venglet (TN) clinched the Mixed Doubles 55 title.
The Championship finals were graced by Shreyas and Palakh Raisoni of Raisoni Foundation, MBA Senior Vice President Mangesh Kashikar, GBA President Manoj Patil, Secretary Praveen Shenoy, Treasurer Sanjay Bhobe, BAI VP Narahar Thakur, Tournament Director Vinayak Kamat among others.
