Malnad State Ranking Badminton Tournament Kicks Off
Malnad State Ranking Badminton Tournament for Seniors and Veterans Kicks off, organized by Malnad Badminton Association
Mangaluru: Let’s celebrate Badminton! The inauguration ceremony of the Malnad State Ranking Badminton Tournament for Seniors and Veterans -2017 kicked off at US Mallya Indoor Court. The inauguration was done by Guest of Honour Ivan D’Souza, Chief Whip, MLC. Govt. of Karnataka, along with Sitarama Somayaji, Dy GM, Syndicate Bank, Mangaluru; A. Sadananda Shetty, Ex. Vice President, Karnataka Badminton Association (KBA). President DKDBA and Pradeep D’Souza, Director. Dept of Youth Services & Sports, DK Mangaluru. Also joined on stage were the Poovaiah Brothers, namely Ashok (ex-state Badminton Champion) and Arun Poovaiah; and Ivan Patrao-President of Malnad Badminton Association. The tournament is held in memory of Late Vinay Siddaraj, a pro-Badminton player.
Late Vinay Siddaraj – Pro-State Badminton Player
In his inaugural address, Ivan D’Souza appreciating the immense efforts of Ashok Poovaiah and Arun Poovaiah (Poovaiah Brothers) towards the conduct of this tournament here in Mangaluru said, “I will try with all my efforts to see that a Badminton court of international standards is constructed here in Mangaluru and make this education hub the center of Badminton in South Kanara, like the Karnataka State Badminton Association, which has a badminton court in Bengaluru. This will help in nurturing budding badminton players to improve their talents to play for Karnataka State and India in future. I will stress on the Government to provide aid in whatever way possible to make this dream a reality in the near future.”
A total of 105 players, with 116 entries, and 100 matches will be played in nine events/categories, which is being held for the first time in Mangaluru under the aegis of Karnataka State Badminton Association, Bengaluru.The Chief Referee for the tournament is R.Suresh Kumar of KBA, with 46 years of experience; and at the helm as Match Controller is Suresh P, of KBA. The tournament will conclude on Sunday, 4 June at 4 pm, with guests of honour namely- Dr KG Jagadeesh- Deputy Commissioner-Mangaluru; U Vimal Kumar-Ex-National champion, Ex-International and Chief Badminton Coach of India; B Nagaraj Shetty-Ex-State Minister, Govt. of Karnataka; A Sadanand Shetty-President, DKDBA; B V Srinivas-Hon. President, KBA; Mohan Lal PR- Hon. Secretary, KBA; Dr Mohan Appaji-President, KDBA-Coorg; and Ivan Pinto-Sports Promoter.
Speaking to Team Mangalorean, Ashok Poovaiah, ex- state badminton champion said, “Much like the sport of tennis, badminton is a great racquet sport that offers a tremendous amount of benefits for participants. Whether it’s in singles or doubles, badminton is a fun and exciting sport to pick up if you’re looking for an activity that boosts your physical, mental and social aspects of health. Playing badminton helps in Physical fitness, Develops athleticism, Increases muscle tone; creates Psychological benefits; increases Social health and its Good for overall health; Flexibility and muscle strength; Mobility; Weight loss; and decreases diabetes.”
He further said, ” While you are playing badminton you need to work on your goals and try to accomplish and achieve your goals. You need to play with passion and determination and try to make your dreams come true.These days I have noticed that youngsters are not so passionate about the game, so I request you to show passion and love for the game. Also, you need to believe in your coach because he or she will turn into a better and great player !”
