Team Goemkarponn
Navelim: The Yonex-Sunrise All India Sub Junior (U-13) Ranking Badminton Tournament 2025 kicked off on a high note at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium in Navelim, with young Goan shuttlers making an early mark during the qualifying rounds held on Monday. Organised by the Goa Badminton Association under the aegis of the Badminton Association of India and the Sports Authority of Goa, the tournament will see the main draw begin on June 25.
Among the standout performers from the host state was 8-year-old Amaira Dhumatkar, who put on a spirited display to defeat Telangana’s Sreshta Nirvana Kalva 15-7, 15-12 in the Girls U-13 Singles Round 1. In the Boys U-13 Singles, Vishwa Parab stormed through with a dominant 15-12, 15-2 win over Maharashtra’s Adarsh Gore. Another thrilling win came from Samarth Sakhalkar, who battled past Karnataka’s Akshaj Gatty in a tight three-game match, winning 15-12, 7-15, 15-13. Daksh Kamat progressed to Round 3 by walkover against Samar Sankar Lal of Karnataka.
While some of Goa’s top-ranked players gave strong performances, a few faced narrow defeats. Krithik Reddy S and Varun Sahakari lost their matches in close contests. Pratik Naik Borkar, Rushank Kulkarni, Vihaan Sahakari, and Saksham Mhapuskar also bowed out early, though they showed commendable grit. In the girls’ draw, Aditi Dhargalkar gave a tough fight before falling to Akshara V. from Karnataka. Komal Kothari and Ashbah Tahasildar were defeated by Anisha Pinge (Maharashtra) and Deechum Likha (Arunachal Pradesh), respectively.
Among nationally ranked players, second seed Kyon Tamin (ANP) defeated Krishna Tejas Pandravada (KTK) with ease, 15-5, 15-9. Third seed Jatin Saraf (MAH) edged past Haryana’s Shreyansh Dahiya 16-14, 15-7, while fourth seed Kian Yadav (RAJ) cruised past Diyan Parekh (MAH) 15-6, 15-9. The biggest upset of the day came from Maharashtra’s Khush Dixit, who knocked out fifth seed Hiten from Delhi in straight games, 15-12, 15-11.
The opening day set the tone for an exciting week of competition as India’s emerging badminton talent battles it out for top honours in Navelim.
