Mapusa, Goa – The court was electric, the stakes high, and the performance? Simply unforgettable. Yousuf Shaikh, representing St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa, was officially crowned the Best Player of the Tournament at the Goa University Intercollegiate Badminton Championship 2025–2026, held at the prestigious SAG Indoor Stadium, Campal.
St. Xavier’s College dominated the men’s competition, culminating in a 3-0 clean sweep in the finals against Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda.
In the first singles, Ashmeet Parsekar set the tone with a commanding 21-11, 21-6 win. Then came Yousuf Shaikh, who took center stage and delivered a tactical masterclass, defeating Sohan Kavlekar 21-14, 21-8. He returned to the court alongside Ashmeet for the doubles, sealing the victory 21-7, 21-7.
“Yousuf’s dominance on the court, his composure under pressure, and sharp shot selection were simply world-class,” said the team coach.
St. Xavier’s had earlier defeated Padre Conceicao College of Engineering in the semi-finals 3-1, while Don Bosco College Engineering had scraped past Don Bosco College, Panjim in a tight 3-2 battle. Both PCCE and Don Bosco, Panjim were awarded joint third place.
Meanwhile, in the women’s category, S.S. Dempo College of Commerce and Economics, Cujira lifted the title, defeating PG Goa University 2-0. Riya Haldankar, who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, was named Best Player (Women).
But the tournament spotlight, without question, belonged to Yousuf Shaikh. His energy, skill, and leadership turned him into the standout athlete of the championship and a name to remember in Goa’s college sports circuit.
🎉 Congratulations, Yousuf! Your Xavier family is proud.
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