Tag: Rising Star

Sports

Goa’s 9-Year-Old Badminton Prodigy Amaira Dhumatker Storms Into Mini National Semifinals

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Vadodara, Gujarat – At just nine years old, Amaira Dhumatker from Goa has carved her name into Indian badminton history by reaching the semifinals of the Yonex-Sunrise 4th Mini (U-11) National Badminton Championships 2025. Competing at the Sama Sports Complex, Amaira demonstrated remarkable skill, focus, and resilience, defeating some of the country’s best young talent.

In the Round of 64, she convincingly beat Rajasthan’s Pranjal Kumari Dharkar 21-10, 21-3. She continued her dominant run in the Round of 32 with a 21-6, 21-17 victory over West Bengal’s Ahana Srimani, and followed it with a 21-15, 21-14 win against Uttar Pradesh’s Megha Singh in the Round of 16. In the quarterfinals on Wednesday, 10th December 2025, Amaira faced Andhra Pradesh’s Sri Adhya Reddy Kaduluri in a thrilling three-game match, eventually winning 17-21, 21-17, 21-17.

This historic journey has made Amaira the first Goan girl to ever reach the semifinals of the national event and the youngest Indian to achieve this milestone. Currently ranked No. 1 in Goa in both singles and doubles, Amaira has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in Indian badminton. Her fearless play, consistency, and determination have not only assured a medal for Goa but also inspired a generation of young athletes across the country.

As Amaira prepares for the semifinals, her journey reflects the power of passion, hard work, and dreams pursued relentlessly. Goa and the entire Indian badminton community are eagerly watching as this young prodigy continues to make history.

Sports

9-Year-Old Amaira Dhumatker Shines at Goa Major Ranking Badminton Tournament

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa’s young badminton prodigy Amaira Dhumatker, just nine years of age, delivered a stellar performance at the All Goa Major Ranking Badminton Tournament organized by Sunlite Sports Club in collaboration with the Goa Badminton Association (GBA) and the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG). The tournament was held at the Campal Indoor Stadium on November 1st and 2nd, 2025, and brought together some of Goa’s best young badminton players.

Amaira impressed both spectators and officials with her exceptional agility, technique, and composure on court. She secured Gold in Under-11 Girls Singles, Silver in Under-13 Girls Singles, and Silver in Under-13 Girls Doubles, marking an incredible run across multiple age categories. Her all-round performance earned her the title of Outstanding Player of the Tournament, a recognition reserved for the most consistent and dominant competitor across events.

At only nine, Amaira continues to prove her potential as one of Goa’s most promising young athletes. Her achievements at this prestigious state-level ranking event highlight not only her talent but also her dedication and sportsmanship.

Organizers from Sunlite Sports Club, along with officials from GBA and SAG, lauded Amaira’s success and encouraged young players to follow her example of determination and discipline.

Amaira Dhumatker’s triumph at the tournament is yet another milestone in her budding badminton journey and a proud moment for Goa’s sporting community. With her continued hard work and passion, she is undoubtedly a name to watch in Indian badminton’s future.