Ponda, Goa | August 2025: Veteran athletes showcased skill, stamina, and spirit at the Anil Paiginkar Memorial State Badminton Ranking Tournament for Masters, held at Badminton Hall, Ponda, with standout performances by Tanaji Sawant and Manjiri Moktali, who claimed triple crowns each in their respective categories.
Tanaji Sawant dominated the Men’s Singles 70+, partnered with Pradeep Dhond to win the Men’s Doubles 70+, and clinched the Mixed Doubles 65+ with Roseline Bunyan.
Manjiri Moktali mirrored this achievement by winning the Women’s Singles 55+, teaming up with Vrushali Cardozo for the Women’s Doubles 55+, and sealing her triple in the Mixed Doubles 45+ with Kamlesh Kanji.
The tournament also celebrated double crown champions:
Cancio Mascarenhas (Men’s Singles 65+ & Men’s Doubles 65+ with Peter Tellis)
Vrushali Cardozo (Women’s Doubles 55+ & Mixed Doubles 55+ with Agnelo Da Cunha)
Other age-group champions included: Agnelo Da Cunha, Akshay Prabhu Ramdas Pandit, Archana Marya, Arnaldo Rodrigues, Ashok Menon, Austin Anthony Fernandes, Ayub C.K., Chinmay Fallary, Darwin Barreto, Hubert Saldanha, Juliana Colaco, Kapil Kanji, Louanne Almeida, Manju Khandeparker, Marina Albuquerque, Milagrina Mascarenhas, Navin Cardoz, Parteek Mahajan, Sandeep Fowkar, Supriya Pai Kuchelkar, and Wilfred Jacques.
The event served as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier when it comes to athletic excellence, with players across all categories putting on thrilling performances for fans and fellow competitors alike.
Navelim, Goa: At just 8 years old, Amaira Dhumatker, a young badminton prodigy from Goa, has taken the sporting world by storm with her stunning performance at the Younex Sunrise All India Sub Junior Under 13 Ranking Badminton Tournament held in Navelim, Goa. In an exciting and thrilling match, Amaira clinched a victory over Telangana’s rising star, Sreshta Nirvana Kalva, with impressive scores of 15-7, 15-12.
In an event that brought together some of the brightest young badminton talents from across India, Amaira stood out with her calm demeanor, sharp focus, and exceptional skill on the court. Despite her young age, Amaira displayed the maturity of a seasoned player, demonstrating not only technical finesse but also the mental toughness needed to perform at a high level in competitive sports.
In her match against Sreshta Nirvana Kalva, Amaira came out strong in the first game, quickly establishing control with a 15-7 scoreline. The second game was no less intense, with Sreshta showing resilience, but Amaira’s speed and precision sealed her victory at 15-12, allowing her to storm into the next round with ease.
Amaira’s Journey in Badminton
Hailing from Goa, Amaira has been playing badminton since the age of 5. Despite being relatively young, her consistent training and dedication have already started to bear fruit. She trains under the guidance of well-established coaches in Goa and is known for her agility, technique, and sportsmanship on and off the court.
In an interview, Amaira expressed her excitement and joy after winning her match: “I am so happy to have won this match. Badminton is my favorite sport, and I enjoy playing every match, learning new things, and improving my skills. I am grateful to my coaches and family for supporting me throughout my journey.”
The Rising Badminton Talent of Goa
Amaira’s victory at the Younex Sunrise All India Tournament has caught the attention of both national and local sports enthusiasts. Her performance adds to the growing list of talented young athletes emerging from Goa, and Amaira’s success is a testament to the importance of grassroots development and support for sports in the state.
In recent years, Goa has seen a surge in young athletes excelling in various sports, and badminton has emerged as one of the leading disciplines. The state’s investment in sports infrastructure and the nurturing of young talent is paving the way for future sporting icons. Amaira’s performance, in particular, has ignited hope that Goa will continue to produce exceptional badminton players in the coming years.
Future Prospects
With such a promising start to her career, Amaira is expected to make significant strides in the badminton circuit in the years to come. Her current victory at the Younex Sunrise All India Sub Junior Tournament is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright and successful career.
As the tournament continues, Amaira’s supporters—family, friends, and fans—are eagerly watching her progress, hoping she can carry forward this momentum into the later rounds and make her mark on the national badminton stage. Given her skill set and determination, it’s safe to say that this young Goan prodigy has a long and promising road ahead of her in the world of badminton.
Acknowledging the Coaches and Supporters
Amaira’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the continuous support of her coaches, family, and training partners. Her coach praised her resilience, saying, “Amaira is a disciplined and hardworking player. She has an incredible work ethic for someone her age, and I have no doubt that she will continue to excel.”
About the Younex Sunrise All India Sub Junior Under 13 Ranking Tournament
The Younex Sunrise All India Sub Junior Under 13 Ranking Tournament 2025 is one of the most anticipated badminton events for young athletes across the country. It provides a platform for budding players to showcase their skills and gain ranking points to progress in their careers. Held annually in Navelim, Goa, this tournament draws talent from all over the country, with the top performers often going on to represent India in international competitions.
In an impressive display of skill and determination, Amaira Dhumatker emerged victorious in the Under 09 Girls Singles category at the prestigious Padukone-PSB Open Junior Badminton Tournament. Held at the state-of-the-art Rush x Ace Arena in Bengaluru, Karnataka, the tournament took place in March 2025 and attracted talented young shuttlers from across the region.
Amaira’s dominating performance in the Under 09 Girls Singles category saw her claim the top spot on the podium, a testament to her hard work, dedication, and natural ability. Her impressive display of badminton skills, including her powerful smashes, precise net play, and agile movement around the court, left the crowd and her opponents in awe.
A Noteworthy Achievement in the Under 11 Category
In addition to her triumph in the Under 09 category, Amaira also secured a commendable second place in the Under 11 Girls Singles category. This achievement demonstrates her ability to compete against older and more experienced players, showcasing her tremendous potential for future success in the sport.
A Bright Future Ahead
Amaira’s remarkable performance at the Padukone-PSB Open Junior Tournament has marked her as one of the most promising young badminton players in the region. With her passion, perseverance, and natural talent, she is sure to make a name for herself in the world of badminton. We look forward to seeing her continued growth and success in the years to come!
Tournament Details
Event: Padukone-PSB Open Junior Badminton Tournament
