PANAJI
In the second edition of Late Pundalika Shenoy Memorial Sarsangan Premier Badminton League (SPBL) 2024 held recently at Fatorda multipurpose indoor stadium, team VIVA Goans emerged victorious.
The chief guest and industrialist, Aakash Khaunte handed over a well-crafted crystal trophy, cash prize and a gold medal to each player of the winning team. The runners-up team A K Smashers were awarded a trophy, cash prize and silver medals while the second runners-up Sparkling Stars were conferred with a trophy and medals.
Viva Goans defeated A K Smashers in thrilling finals. The league matches had six franchise teams -- Viva Goans owned by Kedar Dhume, Priority Titans by Dinesh Pai & Swapneel Nachinolkar, Sparkling Stars by Yogiraj Kamat and Dr Vibhav Shirwaikar, A K Smashers by Kapil Kamat and Aditya Prabhugaonkar, The Acers by Dr Sarvesh Kamat & Manoj Pai Dukle and Sultan of Shuttles by Nikhil Moye.
Around 110 players were auctioned and divided into franchise teams. The initial rounds of the tournament were played in a league format and the semifinals in the ‘qualifier’ and ‘eliminator’ format.
Present on the occasion were Goa Badminton Association (GBA) Secretary, Pravin Shenoy, Saraswat Sports Sangh Charitable Trust, President Satish Pilgaonkar and trustees including Santosh Kamat, Dr Satyesh Kamat, Gomakant Mhambrey and Viraj Dhond.
Awards were also given in special categories including ‘The Best Ace Player’ to Sanath Kamat, ‘The Best Queen Player’ to Pranjal Chimulkar, ‘The Best King Player’ to Samarth Kamath, ‘The Best Jack Player’ to Saeesh Pai Kakode, ‘The Best Veteran Player’ to Dr Ajit Kossambe, ‘The Best Junior Player’ to Sparsh Kolwalkar and ‘The Emerging Player of the Tournament’ was given to Amaira Dhumatkar.
The tournament was organised by Haresh Kakodkar and supported by Vaibhav Kamat.
