Staff Reporter
Santa Cruz
Siraj, Viraj and Nitin emerged victorious, edging past Avduth, Darwin and Bhushan 45-41 in the Outdoor Badminton Tournament at Santa Cruz.
The event, known for its disciplined format and fair play, attracted top players from across the state, featuring two marquee categories—Men’s Doubles and a unique Three-Player Team Event, where two master players were mandatory in each squad. Fans thronged the courtside, while many tuned in through live streaming on YouTube.
In the Men’s Doubles semifinals, Nadaf & Avduth overpowered Prenoy & Hazra with a commanding 15-7, 15-9 victory, while Siraj & Sunny breezed past Raja & Smitesh 15-7, 15-5. The summit clash saw Nadaf and Avduth rise to the occasion, claiming the title with a 21-13, 21-18 win over Siraj & Sunny in a closely fought contest.
The tournament, open to all players, witnessed Goa’s top-ranked shuttlers and veteran players fiercely competing for glory. Known for its non-slippery courts and seamless scheduling, the event maintained its tradition of wrapping up matches by midnight, a feature that continues to draw more participants each year.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Rudolf Fernandes (MLA), Guest of Honour Praveen Shenoy (GBA Secretary), and Goa’s top player Fredrick Fernandes. The event was professionally hosted by Rifa Shaikh, adding to the grandeur of the closing ceremony.
