Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: South Stallions emerged champions of the Late Manohar Dhond Memorial All Stars Cup 2025 after edging out BPS Army in a closely contested finale at the Indoor Stadium, Campal, Panaji. Led by captain Sudhanva Udupa, South Stallions showcased consistency and composure to secure the prestigious junior team title, while BPS Army, captained by Sparsh Kolwalkar, finished runners up.
The exclusive junior league team championship brought together some of Goa’s most promising badminton talent in a professionally structured format. Organised by Dhond’s Sports Club and Panjim Smashers Club in collaboration with the Goa Badminton Association, the tournament featured ten franchise teams competing in a unique Swiss League system that delivered intense and evenly matched encounters throughout.
Teams participating in the championship included Ashers Smashers, Badminators, BPS Army, Chicalim Tigers, Dhond’s Daredevils, North Knights, Panjim Smashers, Shuttle Kings, South Stallions and Sparkling Stars. The innovative league format ensured high competitiveness, with several ties decided by narrow 4–3 margins in the seven doubles team structure. At the end of the league phase, the top four teams were locked on three wins each, with final rankings determined by the slimmest difference in games won and lost.
Girl Icon players played a crucial role in the tournament’s outcome, with Palak Ramnathkar delivering standout performances for the champions, while Pragya Audi impressed consistently for the runners up. In the overall standings, Chicalim Tigers, led by Shivam Prabhu Dessai with Komal Kothari as Girl Icon, secured third place. Shuttle Kings, captained by Shaurya Naik with Anaya Kamat as Girl Icon, finished fourth.
The closing ceremony was attended by promoters Harshad Dhond and Gaurish Dhond, along with senior badminton administrators and coaches, underlining the event’s significance in Goa’s sporting calendar.
The tournament not only honoured the memory of Manohar Dhond but also reaffirmed Goa’s commitment to nurturing young badminton talent through competitive and well organised platforms.
