Doha: The Qatar Goan community celebrated a landmark sporting event as it hosted its first badminton tournament in two decades, drawing enthusiastic participation and vibrant community spirit. The one-day event saw around 65 players compete across three categories — Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles — in a celebration of sportsmanship, heritage, and camaraderie.
India’s Olympian and Goan pride Tanisha Crasto officially inaugurated the tournament through a heartfelt video message. “It brings me immense joy to witness the Goan community in Qatar come together through sport,” said Tanisha, who represented India at the Paris Olympics and hails from Assolna Village in Goa. “Give it your best, enjoy every point, and support each other,” she urged the players.
Adding to the excitement was the presence of Indian Cultural Centre President A.P. Manikantan, who played an exhibition match with Qeinan Rebello, a promising 9-year-old Goan badminton talent. The tournament kicked off with an exhibition match between Qeinan Rebello and Edith Maria, while the closing highlight was a doubles exhibition clash between Cosmos Academy coaches Akshay Anand and Anthony P against Minhaj PA and Mithun Deb.
The event was not just about badminton. To keep spectators engaged, the organizers arranged fun activities including spot prizes, a singing contest, and an impromptu singing session that brought both young talents and seasoned community members into the spotlight.
The evening was hosted by comperes Seby Mascarenhas and Anil D’Souza, with Filomeno Alves, interim president of the Goan Community in Qatar, delivering the welcome address. Organizing committee members Peter Braganza, Leroy D’Costa, and John De Sa also addressed the gathering, with Braganza offering the vote of thanks.
Beyond the event itself, the organizers announced a continued community sports initiative — a long-term badminton program for Goan members in Qatar, open to both youth and adults.
The badminton tournament concluded with spirited performances across all categories, showcasing the enthusiasm and talent of the Goan community in Qatar. In the Men’s Doubles category, Alwyn Rebello and Vinayak Chipkar emerged victorious, while Shane Rebello and Roldao Fernandes finished as runners-up. Linette Braganza and Natasha Fernandes clinched the Women’s Doubles title, with Chanel Rebello and Ashorah Vas securing second place. The Mixed Doubles event saw Kaira Braganza and Lovett Marquis take home the top honors, while Edith Maria and Bonaventura Viegas were runners-up. In the Exhibition Kids Match, Edith Maria triumphed over Qeinan Rebello. The Exhibition Open Match was won by Akshay Anand and Anthony P, defeating Minhaj PA and Mithun Deb. The tournament stood as a powerful testament to the unity, vibrancy, and sporting spirit of the Goan diaspora in Qatar, setting the foundation for a continued culture of active community engagement through sport.
