Olympian Tanisha Crasto virtually inaugurates vibrant sporting event in Doha
PANAJI
The Qatar Goan Community badminton tournament held recently in Doha Qatar turned out to be an overwhelming success. Around 65 players competed in three doubles categories – Men’s, women’s and mixed.
The tournament, the first one to be held in 20 years for the Goan community members, saw India's badminton player and Olympian Tanisha Crasto declaring open the tournament through a video message.
“I’m so happy to hear that the Qatar Goan Community is organizing its first-ever Badminton Tournament and I’m truly honored for inaugurating this vibrant gathering of sport, culture, and community,” Tanisha, who represented India at the Paris Olympics, said in her online message.
“As someone of Goan origin and a proud representative of Indian badminton, it brings me immense joy to witness such strong sporting spirit among fellow Goans and badminton lovers in Qatar,” said Tanisha, who traces her roots to Assolna village.
Turning her attention to the players, families and spectators she said: “To all the players: give it your best, enjoy every point, and support each other. And to the families and spectators: cheer loud, cheer proud!”
“Thank you for thinking of me, and congratulations to the organizers for this amazing initiative,” she said on a parting note.
The highlight of the tournament was the presence of Indian Cultural Centre President A P Manikantan, who played a guest match with Qeinan Rebello, a 9-year-old Goan badminton talent.
Cosmos academy coaches Akshay Anand and Anthony P along with Minhaj PA & Mithun Deb played a doubles exhibition match to bring curtains down on the tournament, while Qeinan Rebello and Edith Maria played an exhibition match to kick start the tournament.
The tournament organizers had something in store for all the fans who turned out for the tournament and in a bid to keep all the spectators involved in the thick of action, the organizers held a special singing contest and offered a number of spot prizes for different contests.
Young talents as well as established stars hogged the spotlight during an impromptu singing session.
Seby Mascarenhas and Anil D’Souza, compered the function while interim president of the Goan Community in Qatar Filomeno Alves welcomed the guests while Peter Braganza, one of the key members of the organizing committee proposed the vote of thanks. Leroy D’Costa and John De Sa, members of the organizing committee also spoke at the prize distribution function.
The highlight of the tournament is that in the coming weeks the Goan community members will be playing and practicing together over a long-drawn program, which is open to both youngsters and adults alike.
RESULTS
Men’s Doubles: Winners: Alwyn Rebello & Vinayak Chipkar; Runner-Up: Shane Rebello & Roldao Fernandes
Women’s Doubles: Winners: Linette Braganza & Natasha Fernandes; Runners Up: Chanel Rebello & Ashorah Vas
Mixed Doubles: Winners: Kaira Braganza & Lovett Marquis; Runners -Up: Edith Maria & Bonaventura Viegas
Exhibition Kids Match: Winners - Edith Maria Runners up- Qeinan Rebello
Exhibition Open Match: Winners - Akshay Anand and Anthony P; Runners Up - Minhaj PA & Mithun Deb
