At the tender age of five, while most children were learning their first alphabets, Ilamparthy AR was already mastering chess strategies. Growing up in modest circumstances, his passion for the game saw him travel alone across cities, often marked by financial challenges at home.
Now, at just 16, Ilamparthy has made history by becoming India’s 90th Chess Grandmaster — a feat that cements his place among the country’s brightest sporting minds.
His journey is a story of resilience and relentless pursuit of excellence. Each move on the board reflected his belief that intelligence thrives where determination meets opportunity.
As the chess world celebrates this young prodigy, Ilamparthy stands as a symbol of India’s emerging sporting spirit — one that is bold, brilliant, and unstoppable. ♟️🇮🇳
Bengaluru | October 26, 2025: Goa’s young badminton star Amaira Dhumatker, just 9 years old, showcased exceptional talent and composure as she captured two gold medals — in the Under-11 and Under-13 Girls Singles categories — at the MACHAXI Open Junior Badminton Tournament, hosted at Play9 Academy, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
The tournament, organized on October 26, 2025, saw participation from some of the best young talents across India. Competing against older and more experienced players, Amaira impressed with her agility, focus, and powerful gameplay, earning admiration from coaches and spectators alike.
Her journey through the tournament was marked by consecutive victories, displaying not only her athletic skills but also a maturity beyond her years. The double crown win cements her reputation as one of Goa’s most promising young athletes in badminton.
Presented by MACHAXI, the event aimed to promote grassroots sports and provide a platform for emerging players to compete at a national level.
Speaking after her win, Amaira expressed joy and gratitude for her coaches, family, and supporters who have encouraged her to chase her dreams.
This victory adds to Goa’s growing presence on India’s sports map, inspiring other young athletes to dream big and work hard.
Mapusa, July 20, 2025: In a remarkable display of grit and talent, 9-year-old Amaira Dhumatker emerged as one of the brightest stars at the All Goa State Major Badminton Ranking Tournament 2025, held from July 18–20 at Peddem, Mapusa. Organized by Mapusa Shuttlers in association with the Goa Badminton Association (GBA), the tournament saw top young talent from across Goa compete for state-level glory.
Amaira stood out as she clinched the Gold Medal in Under-13 Girls Doubles and followed it up with a Silver in Under-13 Girls Singles — a remarkable achievement for someone competing against older, higher-ranked players.
Her performance is a testament to the growing culture of sports excellence in Goa and serves as an inspiration for young athletes across the state. Amaira’s journey reflects dedication, training, and an unwavering passion for the sport.
As she continues to grow and take on greater challenges, all eyes will be on this young prodigy. Goa celebrates her success and looks forward to her future triumphs on bigger 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.
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).
