Somaiya Yonex Sunrise Maharashtra awards the ‘Champions of Tomorrow’ with Sub Junior State Open Badminton Tournament 2023

Mumbai : The Somaiya Yonex Sunrise Maharashtra Sub Junior State Open Badminton Tournament reached its exciting conclusion at the Eklavya Sports Complex, Somaiya Vidyavihar University in Mumbai on May 28, 2023. This eagerly anticipated event, dubbed the ‘BADMINTON KHEL MAHAKUMBH,’ brought together young boys and girls under the age of 11, 13, and 15, for a five-day competition from May 24 to May 28, 2023. The tournament was successfully organized under the patronage of the Greater Mumbai Badminton Association (GMBA) and received the approval of the Maharashtra Badminton Association (MBA), in collaboration with the Somaiya Sports Academy.

The tournament brought together Maharashtra’s top Badminton talents, creating a remarkable fusion of skill and leaving everyone captivated. A total of 288 students from various regions across the state participated in the event, engaging in numerous matches spanning four days leading up to the highly anticipated finals held on May 28 at the complex. The deserving winners were honored with intricately crafted wooden shields, certificates of appreciation, plated medals, and lucrative cash prizes as tokens of recognition for their outstanding performances.

Below are the names of the awardees:

Not only did the match witness incredible talent, but it also showcased prodigies who brought unexpected twists to the tournament, etching their names into victory. Hazel Joshi, the youngest player in the tournament at just 6 years old, emerged as the impressive runner-up in the Girls U11 category. Sharvil Tembulkar, a ‘come-back victor,’ initially lost the 1st set but made a remarkable comeback during the 2nd set, ultimately sweeping the scores in the 3rd set to claim the championship title in the Boys U13 category. Prajakta Gaekwad, the winner of the Girls U15 category, defeated a seeded player who held the top rank in the semi-finals, solidifying her name on the coveted winning trophy.

Mr. Aazaz Khan, Director, Somaiya Sports Academy was left overwhelmed after the tournament. His words were, “I was left spellbound and shocked to see the never-say-die attitude of these little children from Day 1 till the finals. This tournament has not only showcased their skills but also fostered a spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie. I congratulate each participant for their unwavering determination and applaud their coaches and parents for their unwavering support. It fills me with immense pride and joy to see the future of our to-be champions who will be representing our country and we hope that this tournament will be a stepping stone for a brighter future for the Badminton Players of Maharashtra. I would like to extend my gratitude to the dignitaries and officials without whom this couldn’t have been possible.”

Mr. Pradeep Iyengar, President of Greater Mumbai Badminton Association (GMBA) felicitated the winners and recounted his old days of playing the sport during his speech. He mentioned that “As the President of Greater Mumbai Badminton Association, I have been ticked back in time with nostalgia to witness the sheer passion and talent displayed by these young players. Watching them battle it out on the court took me back to my own playing days, reminding me of the joys and challenges that badminton brings. I congratulate each participant for their dedication, perseverance, and remarkable sportsmanship. Remember, this tournament is just the beginning of your badminton journey, and I urge you to continue pursuing your dreams with unwavering determination. Let this experience serve as a catalyst to excel in both sport and life. Thank you, players, coaches, parents, and the entire organizing team for making this tournament a grand success. Together, we will continue to nurture and promote badminton in our city, forging a bright future for the sport we all cherish.”

The Badminton Tournament for players under the age of 11, 13, and 15, held at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, served as a platform to unveil the exceptional talent and untapped potential within our region. This significant event not only showcased the remarkable skills of the participants but also emphasized the promising future of badminton in our community. It stands as a shining example of how sports can nurture young athletes, foster camaraderie, and instill a healthy competitive spirit, ultimately shaping a brighter tomorrow.