Punjab Newsline,Sports:
City Shines with 10 Medals, Including 4 Golds, at Prestigious National Event in Agra
Chandigarh’s masters badminton players delivered a stellar performance at the All India Masters Badminton Ranking Tournament held in Agra from January 25 to February 1, bringing national recognition to the city. With around 700 participants from across India, the Chandigarh contingent competed in the 35+, 40+, 45+, and 50+ age categories, winning a total of 10 medals – 4 gold, 5 silver, and 1 bronze – demonstrating their skill, discipline, and sporting excellence.
The tournament was inaugurated by India’s badminton icon Ms. Saina Nehwal on January 25. Chandigarh players impressed with several thrilling matches, defeating strong competitors from across the country.
In the 40+ age group, Pankaj Naithani shone brightly, winning two gold medals. He teamed up with Diva Arora to clinch the mixed doubles title in straight sets and paired with Manish Gupta to claim the men’s doubles 40+ gold, overcoming top-seeded opponents in a three-game battle. In the 50+ category, Deepak Saxena won gold in mixed doubles and silver in men’s doubles, adding to the city’s medal tally. The men’s doubles 50+ final was a nail-biting match, where Deepak Saxena and Rajneesh Bhatia missed four match points and had to settle for silver.
In the 35+ category, Sahil Katlaria claimed gold in men’s singles. Mala Gaba secured two silver medals in the 40+ women’s singles and doubles, while Nikhil Chari added another silver in 50+ men’s singles. Lavita Singla, alongside Suchitra Misra of Delhi, won silver in women’s doubles 50+, and Geeta Mahajan earned bronze in women’s singles 45+.
On behalf of the Chandigarh Badminton Association, Surinder Mahajan congratulated all medal winners and praised their dedication to the sport. Col. Raj Parmar added that with continued support from the Chandigarh Directorate of Sports, these talented players would inspire young athletes and achieve even greater success in national and international events. The Association’s President, Mr. Vijayendra Kumar (IAS), also extended his congratulations and wished all players the best for upcoming championships.