Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk
Emerging Goan kickboxer Erica De Sequeira is rapidly establishing herself as one of the most promising young athletes in the state, earning recognition for her exceptional skill, discipline, and dedication to the sport. Representing Goa across multiple WAKO kickboxing platforms, Erica has consistently delivered strong performances and demonstrated remarkable competitive spirit.
Her latest achievement came at the Khelo India Asmita Kickboxing League, where she created history by becoming the only girl from Goa to win an impressive five gold medals. The milestone performance has firmly positioned her as a rising star in Goan sports and highlighted the growing presence of women in kickboxing.
Erica trains under the guidance of experienced coaches whose mentorship has played a crucial role in shaping her competitive journey. Her parents have also been a constant source of encouragement, supporting her ambitions both on and off the mat.
Speaking about her progress, her coach said that Erica’s discipline, work ethic, and passion for the sport set her apart, adding that her dream of representing India at the Olympics is steadily moving closer to reality. Her success not only reflects her personal commitment but also showcases the expanding talent pool of women athletes in Goa.
Erica De Sequeira’s achievements are inspiring a new generation of young girls to take up kickboxing, reinforcing the belief that with dedication and the right support, Goan athletes can shine on national and international stages.
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.
