Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Vasco Rebels emerged as the champions of the inaugural Badminton Pro League 2025, defeating Mapusa Gladiators 120-111 in an exhilarating final at the Indoor Stadium, Campal, Panaji. In the third-place playoff, Panjim Priority Titans edged out Siolim HighFlyers 120-114 in another nail-biting contest. The league, organized by Panjim Boys in aegis with the Goa Badminton Association, brought together Goa’s top shuttlers in a first-of-its-kind city-based badminton showdown. Each match comprised of 8 doubles events played in relay format, featuring Men’s doubles, Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles and Veteran Doubles.
The Vasco Rebels team, owned by Praveen Shenoy was captained by Kamlesh Kanji while Mapusa Gladiators, owned by Nilesh Dhargalkar, was captained by Ayaan Shaikh. The 3rd place team, Panjim Priority Titans was owned by Swapneel Nachiolkar and Dinesh Pai and captained by Manish Pankhania.
The competition saw intense battles from the league stage, where Mapusa Gladiators, Siolim HighFlyers, and Margao Panthers ended with four points each in Group A, with Mapusa securing a finals berth on superior score difference. Vasco Rebels dominated Group B, winning all three of their league matches, while Panjim Priority Titans finished second. The league also featured St Cruz Racket Warriors, Ponda Raqueteers, and Porvorim Ace Attackers, adding to the high-energy competition.
The winners, runners-up, and third-place teams were awarded ₹40,000, ₹30,000, and ₹20,000, respectively, along with trophies. Sanand Nair and Shaurya Naik were named Impact Players of the Finals, while Manav Shetgaonkar and Avdhut Saptoji received the honor for the third-place playoff. The prestigious Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards went to Vansh Khedkar (Men’s MVP) and Emilia Silveira (Women’s MVP).
The closing function was graced by Chief Guest Rajesh Dessai, Managing Director of Ritz Classic; Dr. Mahendra Kudchadkar, prominent Orthopaedic Surgeon; Manoj Patil, GBA President; Praveen Shenoy, GBA Secretary; Referee Aman Raut Dessai, and organizing members Navneet Nasnodkar, Dr. Mihir Desai, Naveen Palyekar, Samir Sangodkar, Rakesh Mallya,Vishal Shirodkar, and Gaurang Bhangi among others.
