London, UK —Wimbledon 2025 just got a dose of star power as Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas graced the iconic tennis championship with their presence. The power couple was spotted enjoying a day of world-class tennis, fashion, and British summer vibes, adding a glamorous flair to the already buzzing tournament.
Known for their impeccable style, the duo did not disappoint. Priyanka stunned in a chic white ensemble paired with sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat—perfectly complementing the Wimbledon whites tradition—while Nick opted for a classic, tailored beige suit and crisp shirt. Their fashion choices were a hit among fans and style watchers, setting social media abuzz with admiration.
The couple was seen laughing, cheering from the stands, and engaging with fellow celebrity guests, as well as warmly greeting fans. Their courtside camaraderie added a personal touch, reflecting their relaxed chemistry and shared love for the sport.
This is not the first time Priyanka and Nick have made a high-profile public appearance at an international sporting event, but their Wimbledon visit was particularly noteworthy, coming at a time when both stars are balancing packed professional schedules. Priyanka has recently wrapped production on her next Hollywood film, while Nick continues his music tour with the Jonas Brothers.
Their appearance at Wimbledon reflects the perfect blend of celebrity culture, global appeal, and sporting excellence—making them a natural fit for one of the world’s most prestigious tennis events.
India is considering a policy shift that could revolutionize its sports landscape. The government is exploring the possibility of allowing Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) to represent India in select sports like football and tennis. This potential change has sparked excitement among sports enthusiasts and could have far-reaching implications for Indian sports.
The proposal to permit OCI representation in sports aims to tap into the vast pool of talented individuals of Indian origin living abroad. Many OCIs have excelled in their chosen sports, and this move could enable them to showcase their skills on the international stage while proudly representing their homeland.
By including OCIs, India can access a broader talent pool, potentially leading to improved performance in international competitions. OCIs bring diverse experiences and training methods, which can enhance India’s sporting prowess and competitiveness. Additionally, OCI representation can foster cultural exchange and promote Indian sports globally, encouraging more people to take up sports.
Football and tennis are two sports that could benefit significantly from OCI representation. With a growing global fan base, football is an attractive option for OCI representation. India’s football team could benefit from the skills and expertise of OCIs who have honed their craft abroad. Similarly, tennis is another sport where OCIs could make a significant impact, excelling in international tournaments and bringing glory to India.
However, there are challenges and considerations that need to be addressed. Clear guidelines would need to be established to determine OCI eligibility for representing India in sports. OCIs would require access to quality training facilities, coaching, and support staff to perform at their best. The policy shift could also raise questions about national identity and the role of OCIs in representing India.
The potential inclusion of OCIs in Indian sports represents a significant opportunity for growth and development. By embracing this change, India can tap into the talents of its global diaspora, enhance its sporting reputation, and inspire a new generation of athletes. As the government considers this policy shift, it will be crucial to balance the benefits and challenges to ensure the best outcomes for Indian sports.
~ Bandodkar family doing a tremendous job in promoting sports and nurturing talent, said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at the tourney’s concluding event
Panaji, April 13 – Nagesh Naik’s all-round brilliance was on full display as he teamed up with Asuntha Fleming to clinch the mixed doubles title on the concluding day of the Bandodkar Panjim Gymkhana Tennis Open 2025, beating siblings Aishwarya and Siddharth Nunes 6-2, 6-1 in a one-sided final. The state-ranking tournament also featured a segment for wheelchair-bound tennis players.
Asuntha went on to win a tournament treble, partnering with Aastha Dua to claim the ladies doubles title with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 win over Raisa Menezes and Poojal Naik. Fleming sealed her third title of the tournament with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Tithee Bhoomkar in the ladies singles final.
In the men’s singles final, Santosh Gorawar was ruthless in a 6-0, 6-4 dismantling of his opponent Prince D’Silva.
In the tournament’s Wheelchair Tennis Challenger, Stany D’Souza and Melvin Mendes put in a sharp performance to defeat Vinod Kumbhar and Niklesh Pednekar 4-2 in a mini-set final.
In the men’s doubles final, Mano Chhabra and Bulu delivered a solid performance to defeat the pair of Santosh Gorawar and Raju Kundaikar 6-4, 6-1. Meanwhile, in the finals of the masters 45+ singles category, Dmitry Smirnov skillfully outplayed Caetano Fernandes 6-4, 6-1 to secure the title.
The other winners of the tournament’s various categories were Kyan Mavany, who clinched the boys u-14 crown, while Tvisha Sardesai dominated both the girls u-14 and u-18 events, winning them both. Shreyas Patil emerged champion in the boys u-18, Devaansh Naik took home the boys u-10 title and Samaira Patil edged out the competition in the girls U-10 final. Among the masters winners, Manoj Pandey triumphed in the 55+ men’s singles, while the doubles honours went to Sanjay Lotlikar and David Mendonsa in the same category and to Sachin Dukle and Kevin Rebelo in the 45+ men’s doubles event.
At the tournament’s concluding event, the prize distribution ceremony, which was attended by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, the latter lauded the family of Goa’s first chief minister, the late Dayanand Bandodkar, represented by the Goa State Tennis Association headed by Sameer Kakodkar, for their dedication towards promoting sports.
“While the Government of Goa can play a crucial role by providing basic infrastructure and equipment, the real responsibility of promoting and growing the sport lies with dedicated associations. That’s where the Bandodkar family stands out — they’re doing a tremendous job in building awareness, organising events and nurturing young talent. For tennis to thrive, we need more such initiatives that create consistent opportunities at the grassroots level,” said Sawant.
The state-level ranking event that kicked off from April 4 at the Panjim Gymkhana courts, honours the legacy of late Dayanand Bandodkar. Kakodkar is Dayanand Bandodkar’s grandson.
The Bandodkar Panjim Gymkhana Tennis Open 2025 received a record 266 entries, making it the largest-ever turnout for an All-Goa tennis tournament.
~ The highly anticipated Bandodkar Panjim Gymkhana Tennis Open 2025, is set to take place from April 4 – 13.
~ This distinguished state-ranking tournament is being hosted in collaboration with the Goa State Tennis Association (GSTA) at the iconic Panjim Gymkhana.
Panaji, March 2025 – Goa’s vibrant tennis community is in for another exciting spectacle as the Bandodkar Panjim Gymkhana Tennis Open 2025 returns for its second edition at the historic Panjim Gymkhana, a sporting landmark established by the state’s first Chief Minister, late Shri Dayanand Bandodkar.
Building on the success of its debut edition, the tennis event, hosted in partnership with the Goa State Tennis Association (GSTA), aims to inspire local talent, fuel competitive spirit and elevate the sport of tennis in the state to new heights. The much-awaited tournament is scheduled to be held from April 4 to 13.
This year, the tournament takes a major step forward by introducing three exciting new categories. The under-10 (boys and girls) category opens doors for the young, aspiring tennis players, providing them with a competitive platform to develop their game. The ladies doubles category has been added to foster greater female participation and promote gender diversity in the sport. The tournament will also feature wheelchair tennis as an invite-only event, demonstrating its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for athletes with disabilities. This is only the second instance in the state where wheelchair-bound athletes are able to participate in a competitive tennis event.
The tournament continues to offer a diverse range of categories to cater to both juniors and experienced players. The masters categories include masters singles 45+, masters singles 55+, masters doubles 45+ (minimum age 45) and masters doubles 55+ (minimum age 55). The open category consists of under-10, under-14 and under-18 (boys and girls), men’s singles, ladies’ singles, men’s doubles, ladies doubles and mixed doubles. Participants can register for up to three events, allowing them to maximise their playing opportunities and challenge themselves across different formats.
With registrations now open, the tournament is already witnessing an encouraging response, with over 100 players signing up. Players are encouraged to enroll early to confirm their participation in one of Goa’s most distinguished tennis events, named after the state’s first chief minister.
“It’s inspiring to see how tennis has grown in Goa over the years. By introducing new categories, we are ensuring that more players—whether young children, women or differently-abled athletes—get a chance to compete and experience tournament-level play,” said Sameer Kakodkar, grandson of late Shri Dayanand Bandodkar and president of GSTA.
Giriraj Vengurlekar, a Director at DB Bandodkar & Sons Group and Bandodkar’s grandson, emphasised the excitement around this year’s tournament. “The response so far has been overwhelming and it reflects the growing interest in tennis across Goa. We hope this event continues to motivate aspiring players and raise the competitive standard in the state.”
Tournament Director Deepak Nahak highlighted the tournament’s importance, stating, “This event is not just about crowning champions—it’s about giving players an opportunity to challenge themselves, gain experience and grow in the sport. The new categories make this year’s edition even more special, as they create space for a wider range of talent.”
With high-intensity matches, top-tier talent and a more inclusive playing field than ever before, the Bandodkar Panjim Gymkhana Tennis Open 2025 promises to be a thrilling spectacle for players and fans alike.
Goa’s tennis enthusiasts are in for a treat as Indian tennis icon Leander Paes is set to make a special appearance at the B.P.S Hall in Margao on February 21, 2025, alongside the Baale BPS Open 2025 tennis tournament.
Paes, a multiple Grand Slam champion and Olympic medal winner, has had a storied career spanning over two decades. He has represented India in numerous international tournaments, inspiring a generation of tennis players with his energetic and passionate style of play.
At the Baale BPS Open 2025, Paes will engage with participants, share playing tips, and inspire young players to take their game to the next level. His presence is expected to fuel excitement and enthusiasm among players, making the tournament an unforgettable experience.
“We are thrilled to have Leander Paes join us at the Baale BPS Open 2025,” said Yogiraj Kamat, president of the B.P.S Sports Club. “His presence will not only inspire our young players but also elevate the tournament experience as a whole.”
Event Details
Date: February 21, 2025
Time: 12 noon
Venue: B.P.S Hall, Margao
Event: Leander Paes’ on-court appearance and interaction with young players
The Baale BPS Open 2025 is a state-level ranking tennis tournament organized by the B.P.S Sports Club in Margao. The tournament is supported by Baale Resort Goa and the Goa State Tennis Association (GSTA).
