PONDA
Aashrun Gautam and Pranjal Chimulkar emerged Men’s and Women’s Singles champions, in the Late Babai Prabhu Memorial State Badminton Ranking Championship 2018 (for Senior Men and Women), organised by Ponda Shuttlers in collaboration with Goa Badminton Association, SAG and the DSYA.
The Men’s singles finals played on Sunday evening at Sports Complex, Ponda was a thrilling battle between Goa’s upcoming talents, Aashrun and Tejan Fallary, two young players who have battled it out several times before in the age group categories. This was, however, the first time the two were facing each other in the finals in Men’s singles. In the high stakes game, both players went all out giving their best and neither willing to give an inch. It was Aashrun who finally prevailed at the end of an engaging fast-paced match, registering an exciting 21-18, 21-19 win to taste glory for the first time in the Men’s singles event.
“There were a few tense moments in the game but I was happy to play well. I went for my smashes and got into a good rhythm. Oh, that’s a huge rolling trophy by the way”, said Aashrun, delighted with his efforts.
Pranjal Chimulkar was similarly ecstatic to make a winning comeback in Goa’s Ranking circuit. Back from an injury, Pranjal looked to be in complete command of the women’s singles finals, putting it across Yasmin Sayed 21-19, 21-13, though her young opponent did manage to give her a few nervous moments in the first set.
“Coming back after an injury is always difficult but I am now nearly back to my full fitness and raring to go. I will be playing in a few National level tournaments and planning to play in a few International tournaments also”, said Pranjal, a part of Goa’s National Games Bronze medal-winning squad.
In Men’s doubles, top seeds and favourites, Tejan Fallary and Dhruv Angle were given a stiff fight by Floyd Araujo and Frederick Fernandes before overcoming them in a 24-26, 21-19, 21-16 win. Navneet Nasnodkar and former India ranked player Anushka Kuvelkar returned to winning ways, capturing the Mixed Doubles title in a close 19-21, 21-16, 21-17 three-set win over Floyd Araujo and Pranjal Chimulkar.
The Festival Men’s 100+ Doubles Event was won by Vaman Fallary and Wilson D’ Souza who ousted Oscar Silveira and Cancio Mascarenhas 17-15, 17-15 to emerge victorious.
Dileep Dhavalikar, Superintendent Engineer, PWD, Abhay Prabhu, businessman, GBA officials Narahar Thakur (president), Sandeep Heble (secretary), Peter Tellis (observer), Sudin Kuvelkar (member) and executive members of Ponda Shuttlers, namely Anil Painguinkar (president), Sandip Khandeparkar (secretary), Sohan Kelekar (coordinator), and Santosh Prabhu Desai graced the closing function.
Following are the Finals Results:
Women’s Singles: Pranjal Chimulkar bt Yasmin Sayed 21-19, 21-13
Men’s Singles: Aashrun Gautam bt Tejan Fallary 21-18, 21-19
Mixed Doubles: Anushka Kuvelkar / Navneet Nasnodkar bt Pranjal Chimulkar / Floyd Araujo 19-21, 21-16, 21-17
Men’s Doubles: Tejan Fallary / Dhruv Angle bt Floyd Araujo / Frederick Fernandes 24-26, 21-19, 21-16
Men’s 100+ Doubles (Festival Event): Vaman Fallary / Wilson D’ Souza bt Oscar Silveira / Cancio Mascarenhas 17-15, 17-15
