Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The South Goa District Badminton Association (SGDBA) has taken a major stride in promoting badminton at the grassroots level through its recently concluded coaching camps in Quepem and Canacona. Conducted in association with the Goa Badminton Association, Margao Shuttlers, and the Sports Authority of Goa, the twin 15-day camps witnessed participation from more than 50 aspiring shuttlers.
The camps were held at the Multipurpose Stadium, Quepem, which trained 25 youngsters, and at Balram Residential School, Khotigav, Gavdongri, Canacona, where 26 trainees took part. The initiative aimed to provide structured training, foster young talent, and build a foundation for future badminton champions emerging from rural South Goa.
The closing ceremonies were attended by Altone D’Costa, MLA of Quepem, Smt. Savita Tavadkar, Headmistress of Balram Residential School, Shailesh Vaidya of the Vaidya Foundation, sports promoter Bhavesh Kothari, GBA Secretary Praveen Shenoy, and SGDBA officials Vrushali Cardozo and Vinayak Kamat, among others.
Under the leadership of Patron Yogiraj Kamat, President Vrushali Cardozo, Secretary Vinayak Kamat, and Treasurer Kapil Kamat, SGDBA has outlined a focused plan for badminton’s growth across the district. The association’s first phase emphasizes identifying and nurturing young players through widespread coaching initiatives across rural talukas.
The next phase will see the launch of district-level tournaments in areas equipped with proper infrastructure, beginning with Navelim in Salcete Taluka and later extending to Quepem and Vasco. SGDBA also aims to strengthen the technical side of the sport by training umpires and line judges from South Goa, ensuring high officiating standards in both district and state-level competitions.
With this well-structured approach, the association envisions creating a robust badminton ecosystem that encourages youth participation, promotes professionalism, and elevates South Goa’s presence in the state’s badminton landscape.
