Goa's Satish Kudchadkar and Sikletika Ribello win the mixed doubles title in All India Masters
Dr Satish Kudchadkar and Sikletika Ribello from Goa won the mixed doubles title in the 75+ age group at the All India Masters Qualifying Badminton Championships on Tuesday
Satish and Sikletika defeated Wazirchand Goyal and Usha Sharma 20-22, 21-14, 21-12. The competition is being held at the Manohar Parrik Indoor Stadium.
The duo has already qualified for the World Masters Badminton Championships in Spain.
Satish also reached the finals in the men's singles and doubles at the age of 75+, but had to settle for a silver medal in both groups. Satish lost to Sudam Shahare 13-21, 23–25. In the men's doubles, Alfred Christian was Satish's partner. They lost to Suresh Hegde and Mohan Srivastava 18-21, 17-21.
Other Goans who shine
Hillary Fernandes and Malequina Fernandes of Goa won silver in the mixed doubles age group of 70+. In the final, they lost 21-8, 21-3 to top seed Rakesh Sharma and Maya Chawat.
At the age of 70+, Mukta Agashikar of Goa had to settle for a silver medal in the women's singles. She lost to Maya Chawat 21-10, 21-8. In the women's doubles, Mukta also bagged a silver along with Bharti Heble.
In the men's 65+ age group, Tanaji Sawant of Goa bagged the bronze medal in the men's singles as he lost in the semifinals. He was defeated by Anil Mittal.
All of Goa’s medal-winning players qualified for the World Senior Badminton Championships in Spain.
The secretary of the Goa Badminton Association, Sandeep Heble, was elated by the performance and congratulated Goan shuttlers in the contest.
"The performance of Goan players has proved that the ten-day camp conducted under the guidance of Goa Sports Authority coach Vinayak Kamat was fruitful," said Heble.
"The Goa players worked hard with a dedicated attitude. For the first time in the history of the competition, Goa has won so many medals. Therefore, heartfelt congratulations to all," he added.