Saina and Amaira (Right)
PANAJI
Goa’s young badminton sensation Amaira Dhumatker has brought laurels to the state by winning the Girls’ Doubles U-13 title at the prestigious Yonex-Sunrise All India Sub Junior (U-13) Badminton Ranking Tournament, held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Partnering Saina Sharma of Telangana, Amaira produced an impressive performance to defeat the third-seeded pair of Evelyn Priyank Chavali and Sri Pravya Ponnaganti of Andhra Pradesh in a thrilling three-game final, winning 15-12, 9-15, 17-15. The victory marks a significant milestone for the 10-year-old Amaira who had won a bronze at the U11 National championships last year. This is the first Gold by a Goan at a National Ranking tournament in U13 age group.
Congratulating Amaira on her remarkable achievement, Manoj Patil, President of Goa Badminton Association (GBA), said, "Amaira is a special talent, and her achievement at just 10 years of age is commendable. Reaching the national level demands immense dedication, sacrifice and financial commitment from players and parents, particularly towards travel and training. I urge corporates and business houses to come forward and support such promising young talents, helping them pursue their dreams and bring greater laurels to Goa and India."
