Day 1 qualification action at the 47th Indian Masters National Badminton Championship.
Photo Credits: The Goan
PANAJI
The 47th Indian Masters National Badminton Championship 2025 qualification rounds began with a thrilling start at the Peddem Indoor Stadium in Mapusa on Sunday. The opening day saw 504 matches across 18 courts, as veterans and former international stars battled for national honours.
Local players made a strong statement, with Goa’s Sahil Bhutani and Mihir Desai securing a hard-fought victory in the men’s doubles 35+ category, overcoming Nikhil Mansukhani and Aditya Swami 15-12, 5-15, 18-16 in a gripping three-set match. In the men’s doubles 45+ category, Goa’s Parag Chauhan and Govind Navelkar dominated their match against Ananda Kumar J and Ramesh Kumar S Antony, winning comfortably 15-5, 15-10. Another Goan pair, Arnaldo Rodrigues and Praveen Shenoy, also impressed, defeating Lenin Madhu and Anand NP 15-8, 15-9 to advance to the next round.
In other key results, former India International player Nikhil Kanitkar, alongside Upendra Fadnis, showcased their class in the men’s doubles 45+ category, defeating Madhu K and Amel Dev S 15-10, 15-11. Fadnis later teamed up with Anika Lele in the mixed doubles 45+ category, securing a commanding 15-3, 15-6 win over Anurag Shukla and Diana Reuben.
The men’s doubles 50+ category also witnessed exciting matches, with Amrish Shinde and Jaison Xavier overcoming Nehru G and Elangeswaran P. 15-11, 15-6, while Gurdeep Singh Arora and Manish Bhati battled past A Aravind and A Govindankutty Nambiar in a thrilling three-set match, winning 13-15, 15-11, 15-12. In the mixed doubles 40+ category, M Behal and R Ingalhalikar edged out Manish Rawat and Nupura Gadgil in a nail-biting encounter, winning 15-13, 15-17, 16-14.
As the tournament progresses, fans can look forward to more high-octane matches with top-seeded players and former national champions entering the fray. The main draw matches are set to begin on March 17, with players aiming for a spot in the BWF World Seniors Championship selection.
