Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Goa’s veteran shuttlers delivered impressive performances as the main draw matches in the 35 plus to 50 plus categories began at the Yonex Sunrise 48th Indian Masters Veteran National Badminton Championships at the Manohar Parrikar Indoor Stadium in Navelim. Former Goa state champion and international seniors medal winner Sandhya Melasheemi led the home challenge with a confident victory to advance in the tournament.
Competing in the Women’s Singles 40 plus Round of 32, Sandhya produced a solid display to defeat Laxmi Ningaiah from Karnataka in straight games, winning 21 to 14 and 21 to 13 to secure her place in the pre quarterfinals. Her performance highlighted Goa’s strong presence in the competition as several other local players also progressed in their respective categories.
Sebastian Ferrao and Ankush Patil impressed in the Men’s Singles 40 plus division with convincing victories that helped them advance to the pre quarterfinal stage. Their wins ensured that Goa maintained a strong representation in the main draw rounds. In the Men’s Singles 35 plus category, Prateek Mahajan also moved forward after registering a comfortable victory against Yasharth Ojha of Uttar Pradesh to enter the Round of 32.
Earlier in the tournament, medal winners in the 55 plus to 80 plus categories were honoured, with Goan players achieving notable success. Tanaji Sawant and Roseline Bunyan clinched the gold medal in the Mixed Doubles 70 plus event. Dr Satish Kudchadkar delivered an outstanding performance by winning the Men’s Singles 80 title and securing a silver medal in the Men’s Doubles 80 category.
Roseline Bunyan also added a bronze medal in Women’s Singles 70 plus. Another medal for Goa came through Lata Kittur, who partnered Sarada Devi Vedullapalli from Andhra Pradesh to secure bronze in the Women’s Doubles 75 plus category.
The championship has also witnessed remarkable performances from several veteran players from across the country, making the event a competitive and memorable showcase of badminton talent across age groups.
