Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 29 April 2024
The second edition of the Smash Arena Badminton Championship 2024, organized under the auspices of the Smash Arena Badminton Court, came to a thrilling close on April 28, 2024, at Haddo. The event left participants and spectators alike with memories of exhilarating matches and competitive camaraderie.
Approximately 100 shuttlers from various parts of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands vied for titles in categories including Under 13 Boys (Singles & Doubles), Under 13 Girls (Singles), Under 17 Boys (Singles & Doubles), Men’s Open (Doubles), and Veteran 40+ (Doubles).
Spanning four days, the championship was held on April 13th, 14th, 27th, and 28th, delivering on its promise of top-notch badminton action.
The closing ceremony was graced by Mr. Joy Pinto, Block Sports Officer from the Department of Sports & Youth Affairs, who served as the Chief Guest, and Mr. B. Neelaiah, General Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Chess Association, who was the Guest of Honour. They presided over the distribution of cash prizes and trophies worth ₹1 Lakh among the tournament’s winners and runners-up. A substantial gathering of sports enthusiasts also attended the event.
In the various categories, the winners and runners-up were as follows:
Under 13 Boys (Single): Master Harshit Anthony secured the first position, with Master Akshaj emerging as the Runner-up.
Under 13 Boys (Doubles): Master Harshit & Master Zaid clinched the first position, while Master Adyansh & Master Akshaj were the Runner-ups.
Under 13 Girls (Single): Ms. Lakshmita claimed the first position, with Ms. Rachel as the Runner-up.
Under 17 Boys (Single): Master Eric bagged the first position, with Master Jitesh as the Runner-up.
Under 17 Boys (Doubles): Master Suman & Master Ajay secured the first position, while Master Eric & Master Hrishit were the Runner-ups.
Men’s Open (Doubles): Mr. Balwant & Mr. Vishal emerged victorious, with Mr. Zanpear & Mr. Rahul as the Runner-ups.
Veteran 40+ (Doubles): Mr. Zanpear & Mr. Yosuf claimed the first position, while Mr. Shyam & Mr. Mahendar were the Runner-ups.
Mr. Dakshin Bhasker, an Organizing Committee Member of Smash Arena, extended gratitude to the event sponsors, participants, and all those involved in making the tournament a success.
The championship not only showcased the athletic prowess of the participants but also the enduring spirit of sportsmanship that prevailed throughout the event.