Goemkarponn desk
MARGAO: The Yonex-Sunrise 45th Indian Masters (Veteran) National Badminton Championships -2022-23, being held in Goa from March 19 to 26, came to an exciting conclusion today in the 35+ to 50+ age groups. The championships are being hosted by the Goa Badminton Association under the aegis of the Badminton Association of India and the Sports Authority of Goa, with the higher group rounds (55+ to 75+) scheduled for conclusion on March 26.
In the Women’s Doubles 35+ category, Sandhya Melasheemi, representing Goa, and her partner Sangeetha Mari from Karnataka emerged victorious, winning the gold medal. Ashutosh Pednekar, also from Goa, won gold in the Mixed Doubles 50+ category along with his partner Naheed Divecha from Maharashtra.
Other prominent Gold medal winners were Vidyadhar J. B. S., AP and Sanave Thomas in Men’s Doubles 40+, Sanave Thomas, KER, and Nupura Gadgil, MAH in Mixed Doubles 40+, Aneesh K. A., KER, and Vijay Lancy (2), in Men’s Doubles 45+, Sreedevi A. Gadhili, KTK, and Ruchita Sharma, MP, in Women’s Doubles 50+, Sameer Abbasi and Pooja Mehta, GUJ, in Mixed Doubles 45+ among others.
The winners were awarded medals and trophies at the hands of the Honourable Sports Minister of Goa, Govind Gaude, among others.
Commenting on the event, Mr. Gaude said, “I am extremely happy to see the high level of play and sportsmanship on display at the Yonex-Sunrise 45th Indian Masters (Veteran) National Badminton Championships -2022-23. The championship has been a great success, and I would like to congratulate all the winners and participants for their hard work and dedication.”
The championships were held at Navelim (Main venue) and Fatorda, and saw participation from top veteran badminton players from across the country, including several former India International stars.