Panaji: Goa is gearing up to welcome the Yonex Sunrise 47th Indian Masters (Veteran) National Badminton Championship 2025, set to take place from March 16 to 23 at the Peddem Indoor Stadium, Mapusa. The prestigious event, serving as the selection tournament for the BWF World Seniors Championship, is expected to draw over 2,200 players and 2,700 entries across 45 events, spanning age groups from 35+ to 75+.
The championship will feature some of India’s finest former national and international shuttlers, including Leroy D’Sa, Abhin Shyam Gupta, Joy Anthony, Nikhil Kanitkar, Vijay Lancy, and S Banu, promising a high-intensity competition.
The announcement came at a press conference in Panaji, where Goa Badminton Association (GBA) chief patron Shrinivas Dempo highlighted the tournament’s broader impact beyond sport. He emphasized how such high-profile events boost Goa’s sports culture, tourism, and economic growth, while also promoting community fitness. He reiterated Dempo Group’s commitment to nurturing Goan talent, applauding Aarush Pawaskar—a Dempo-backed athlete—for his silver medal at the France International Open (Sub-Juniors).
GBA President Manoj Patil took a moment to reflect on Goa’s badminton legacy, acknowledging past stalwarts like Late Rasik Painguinkar, Michael D’sa, Ashutosh, and Leena Pednekar, alongside modern-day stars Anura Prabhu Desai, Anushka Kuvelkar, and Tanisha Crasto, who represented India at the Paris Olympics. Rising Goan prospects Arjun Fallary, Lydia Barreto, and Aarush Pawaskar were also recognized for their international appearances.
