Tag: GoaBadminton

Sports

Six Goan Players Selected for Indian Squad at BWF World Senior Championships 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

Six Goan players have been selected to represent India at the Amazing Thailand-Pattaya BWF World Senior Championships 2025, taking place from September 7 to 14, 2025, in Pattaya, Thailand. The prestigious event sees top senior (masters) badminton players from across the globe competing at the highest level in their age categories.

The Goan athletes selected for the Indian squad include Sandhya Melasheemi, Leena Pednekar Dhapre, Pradeep Dhond, Tanaji Sawant, Dr. Satish Kudchadkar, and Vijaya Laxmi Gudipudi, who have consistently performed at both the state and national level. Their inclusion in the squad is a testament to their dedication to the sport, commitment to fitness, and continued competitive excellence.

Adding to Goa’s strong representation at the event, Praveen Shenoy, Secretary of the Goa Badminton Association, has been nominated as the Manager of the Indian contingent. Speaking on the occasion, Shenoy shared his enthusiasm, stating:
“It is encouraging to see several players from Goa feature in the Indian squad for the World Senior (Masters) Championships. Their selection reflects the immense hard work they have put in to maintain their game and fitness to reach National as well as International stage. As Manager, I look forward to supporting the team as we take on strong competition in Pattaya.”

The Indian team is currently in action in Thailand, and the Goan contingent will be aiming to bring their experience, energy, and resilience to the court. The BWF World Senior Championships is one of the most respected events in the badminton calendar, offering athletes over 35 a chance to shine on the world stage.

Team Allycaral congratulates all the selected players and wishes the Indian squad a successful and memorable tournament in Pattaya.

Sports

Sports Quota Initiated a ‘Silver Lining’ for Goan Sportspersons

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

The Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, has once again brought attention to the implementation of a State-Level Sports Quota—a long-standing demand from the sporting community in Goa. Although such a quota has technically existed in policy since 2009, it was never fully operationalized. Recently, an attempt to implement its mid-admission cycle was halted by the Bombay High Court at Goa on procedural grounds. The Court noted that while the government may have good intentions, implementing such a significant change without amending the admission prospectus and adhering to a formal framework is legally invalid.

The development has reignited conversations among athletes, parents, and sports federations across the state. One of the most vocal advocates has been the Goa Badminton Association, which recently submitted an appeal to the Chief Minister. The letter highlighted that while Goa continues to build its sports culture—as seen in the successful hosting of the 37th National Games—it still lacks a formal quota system in professional education, something that states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Punjab have already implemented.

The appeal underlined the fact that a sports quota could dramatically change the future of athletes in Goa by offering them tangible educational benefits in return for their dedication and success. Professional degrees in fields like Medicine, Engineering, Dental, and Architecture are still out of reach for many sportspersons due to the lack of institutional support, despite their achievements at the national and international levels.

While this year’s admission process may not see immediate relief, the renewed political will signals hope for the future. For parents, a transparent and permanent policy creates confidence in allowing their children to pursue sports seriously. For students, it offers motivation to train harder, knowing that their efforts could one day lead not only to medals but also to secure academic pathways.

If the framework is soon formalized with clear guidelines, Goa could finally catch up with other states in recognizing the role of sports in nation-building and personal development. With the right execution, the Sports Quota could be the silver lining Goan sportspersons have been waiting for.

Sports

Golden Racket: 9-Year-Old Amaira Dhumatker Makes Her Mark at All Goa Badminton Tournament

allycaralgoa

Ponda, Goa | July 23, 2025 —In what many are calling the highlight of the tournament, 9-year-old Amaira Dhumatker from Goa proved that talent knows no age. Competing in the Under-15 Girls Singles category at the All Goa Major State Ranking Badminton Tournament held from July 21–23 in Ponda, Amaira made a sensational run from the qualification rounds all the way to the quarterfinals.

She defeated the 6th seeded player with a commanding score of 15-3, 15-1 in the Round of 16, showcasing a combination of tactical finesse, quick footwork, and bold aggression that stunned spectators and opponents alike.

In the quarterfinals, Amaira faced the No. 1 seed and gave her a real contest, narrowly losing 16-21, 16-21 in straight games. Her performance earned her admiration from coaches, players, and fans, many calling her “a future national star in the making.”

“Amaira plays like she was born with a racket in her hand,” said a coach at the tournament. “She’s fearless, fast, and far ahead of her age group.”

The tournament, hosted by Radiant Sports Club, Ponda, is one of Goa’s key ranking events and featured top players from across the state. Amaira’s breakthrough performance now places her firmly on the radar of national selectors and supporters of grassroots sports.

📖 Keep following allycaral.com for more updates on this young prodigy and Goa’s rising stars in sports.