Jaipur is currently hosting the prestigious Yonex-Sunrise All India Sub-Junior (U-15 and U-17) Ranking Badminton tournament at the iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium. The event has drawn significant attention as ten talented pairs from Rajasthan have successfully qualified for the main draw, showcasing the state's growing prowess in the sport.
Mixed Doubles Highlights
In the U-17 mixed doubles category, Rajasthan is well-represented by several promising pairs. Advika Sharma and Anshuman Chaudhary, along with Deshna Jain and Garvit Barwar, are set to compete. Additionally, Manas Gehlot and Mokshita Bhardwaj, as well as the duo of Kandarp Sharma and Sharayu Rajane from Maharashtra, have also secured their spots in the main draw.
Moving to the U-15 mixed doubles, the competition features Manan Sharma and Inayat Gulati from Punjab, who have been awarded the top seed. Other notable pairs include Anand Maderna and Yashvita Mewada, Shreyansh Chaudhary and Padmaja Singh, Y. Shekhawat and Khushi Sharma, and the fourth-seeded pair of Satvik Agarwal and Lakshita Bhardwaj. The main round matches are scheduled to commence on Monday at 9 am, promising an exciting display of skill and determination.
Singles and Doubles Competitions
Girls' Singles
Nine players from Rajasthan are vying for medals in the girls' singles events. In the under-15 category, Anvi Rathore, who has represented the title-contending Indian team, holds the second seed. She is joined by Lakshit Bhardwaj, Yashvita Mewara, and Padmaja Singh. The under-17 category sees Deshna Jain, Kavya Joshi, Ritika Jhamnani, Anvi Rathore, and Nehal Sisodiya competing fiercely for top honors.
Boys' Singles
Eleven players from Rajasthan have qualified for the boys' singles main draw. In the under-15 category, participants include Harsh Kandpal, S. Chaudhary, Satvik Agarwal, Y. Shekhawat, Manan Sharma, Anand Maderna, and Vayam Lamba. The under-17 category features Vinay Pratap Singh, Vayam Lamba, Kandarp Sharma, and A. Chaudhary, all aiming to make their mark.
Boys' Doubles
Seven pairs are set to compete in the boys' doubles events. In the under-15 category, the main draw includes Arjun Arora and Tanishq Sharma, Anand Maderna and Y. Shekhawat, Shreyansh Choudhary and Vayam Lamba, and the fourth-seeded pair of Manan Sharma and Sai Sohan Kota from Andhra Pradesh. The under-17 category will see Anshuman Choudhary and Harsh Swami, Garvit Barwar and Kandarp Sharma, Devansh Tomar and Akshat Shekhawat, and Sonu Meena and Shrivas Deep from West Bengal battling it out.
Qualifying Round Successes
The tournament has already witnessed some impressive performances in the qualifying rounds. In the Under-17 Boys Singles, Kandarp Sharma of Rajasthan defeated Aniket Paul of West Bengal with scores of 15-9 and 15-11. Similarly, in the Under-17 Girls category, Nehal Sisodiya triumphed over Vanya Manchanda of Gujarat by 15-8 and 15-12 to secure her place in the main round.
In doubles action, Deshna Jain and Aaradhya advanced by defeating Pragya Odi and Shanvi Odi of Goa with a convincing 15-6, 15-5 victory. Ojaswita Dubey and Pearl Pareek also moved forward after beating Aishna and Sahnvi Suthar of Telangana 15-8, 15-10. The mixed doubles saw Garvit Barwar and Deshna Jain overcome the pair from Uttarakhand and Haryana, Manav and Parul, with scores of 15-7 and 15-9. Additionally, the duo of K. Sharma and S. Ranjane from Rajasthan and Maharashtra defeated Gowtham and Vinosha of Telangana 15-11, 15-8 to advance. Devansh Tomar and Akshat Shekhawat also secured their spots in the main round on Saturday, adding to Rajasthan's strong representation.
This tournament not only highlights the competitive spirit of young badminton players from Rajasthan but also underscores Jaipur's role as a hub for sporting excellence. With numerous seeded players and strong performances across categories, the state's athletes are poised to make a significant impact in the national badminton scene.
