Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Three badminton pairs from Goa have qualified to represent India at the Badminton Asia Senior Championships 2026, scheduled to be held from November 16 to 22 in Gwangju, South Korea.
The qualifying pairs are Parag Chauhan and Kamlesh Kanji in the 45+ category, Dr Sandeep Fowker and Kapil Kanji in the 50+ category, and Tanaji Sawant and Pradeep Dhond in the 70+ category. All three pairs will compete in the doubles events of their respective age groups.
Their qualification follows impressive performances at the Yonex Sunrise 48th Indian Masters (Veteran) National Badminton Championships 2025-26, held in Goa in March. The national championship served as the qualifying benchmark for selection to the Asian tournament.
Among the three Goan combinations, Parag Chauhan and Kamlesh Kanji delivered the standout performance by securing a bronze medal. Dr Sandeep Fowker and Kapil Kanji, along with Tanaji Sawant and Pradeep Dhond, reached the quarter-finals, meeting the minimum qualification criteria for the continental championship.
The qualification marks an important achievement for Goa’s Masters badminton players, who continue to demonstrate their competitive ability at the national level.
The Goa Badminton Association congratulated all six players on their selection and praised their commitment to maintaining fitness and competing at a high level.
The association also highlighted that several Masters players regularly participate in Senior Men and Women tournaments, where they compete against considerably younger opponents and often put up strong performances.
The players’ dedication to fitness, discipline and competitive badminton was recognised as an inspiration for people across different age groups.
With all three pairs set to represent the country, Goa will have a strong presence at the upcoming Asian Championships in South Korea. Their participation is expected to further highlight the state’s growing contribution to veteran badminton in India.
