Gujarat 60+men team win thrilling team title

MP women’s doubles pair Rashmi Soni & Rubi Kaur win gold

By Narendra Bhale

Indore.(Team Newsbuddy): Gujarat’s 60+ men’s team showcased resilience and tactical brilliance to overcome a formidable West Bengal side 3-2 in a thrilling final at the UTT 31st Masters National Championships, held at the Abhay Prashal Indoor Hall. The nearly three-and-a-half-hour showdown kept spectators on their seat edges last evening as teams fought tooth and nail for the coveted title.

The decisive moment came when Parag Shah delivered a stellar performance against Bengal’s Debasis Saha in the final match. Parag dominated the first two closely contested games but faced a strong comeback from Debasis, who levelled the match at 2-2. With Gujarat’s bench cheering him on, Parag altered his strategy, taking an aggressive approach to surge ahead in the decider. Despite a late fightback from Debasis, Parag held his nerve to seal the victory, securing Gujarat’s team gold.

However, Bengal took the lead with Vivek Kumar Arora defeating Parag 3-2 in the opening tie. Gujarat quickly responded as Laxmanrao Thakre levelled the contest with a solid win over Debasis. The crucial third rubber saw Sanjay Tayal edge out Abir Basak in a thrilling five-game battle, giving Gujarat a 2-1 lead. However, Bengal struck back as Arora comfortably defeated Laxmanrao, setting the stage for a dramatic final clash, where Parag rose to the occasion to guide his team to victory.

Virdi strikes Gold

The championships also saw a remarkable display of skill in the 75+ men’s singles category, where Balbir Singh Virdi of Chandigarh clinched the gold medal with a hard-fought victory over Maharashtra’s Satish B. Kulkarni. Virdi started strong, winning the first game with ease. However, Satish, known for his defensive prowess, bounced back and nearly stole the second game before Virdi edged past him 14-12. The third game was equally intense, but Virdi maintained his composure to secure the title. Satish had to settle for silver despite a valiant effort.

Doubles glory for Delhi, MP, Karnataka

The doubles events witnessed high-intensity battles as teams from Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka claimed gold in their respective categories.

In the 65+ women’s doubles, Delhi’s Indu Sharma and Sunita Mudgil produced a stunning comeback to defeat Maharashtra’s Manisha Vishwas Bodas and Veena Dhanajay Joshi 3-1. Despite losing the opening game, the Delhi duo regrouped and took control, winning the next three games convincingly.

Meanwhile, hosts Madhya Pradesh had plenty to cheer for as Rashmi Soni and Rubi Kuar staged an incredible fightback to defeat West Bengal’s Mantu Murmu and Karabi Maity in a pulsating five-game final. The MP pair, down 1-2, won a tight fourth game before decisively clinching the decider.

In the 80+ men’s doubles, Delhi’s veteran duo of B.N. Khazanchi and Anand Prakash displayed their vast experience to cruise past Karnataka’s K. Satyanarayan and K.V. Krishnamurthy in straight games. The Delhi pair’s superior coordination and tactical execution proved too strong for their southern counterparts, earning them the gold medal.

RESULTS:

Men’s 60+Team: Final: Gujarat A bt West Bengal A 3-2 (Parag Shah lost to Vivek Arora 6-11, 4-11, 12-10, 12-10, 6-11, Laxmanrao Thakre bt Debasis Saha 7-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-6, Sanjay Tayal bt Abir Basak 11-6, 5-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-9, Laxmanrao lost to Vivek 6-11, 8-11, 7-11, Parag bt Debasis 12-10, 12-10, 6-11, 7-11, 11-6).

Semifinals: Bengal A bt Maharashtra A 3-1; Gujarat A bt Andhra Pradesh 3-2.

Men’s Singles 75+: Balbir Singh Virdi (Chd) bt Satish B. Kulkarni (Mah) 11-5, 14-12, 13-11.

Men’s Doubles 80+: Final: B.N. Khazanchi/Anand Prakash (Del) bt K. Satyanarayan/K.V. Krishnamurthy (Kar) 11-7, 11-6, 11-9.

Women’s Doubles 65+: Final: Indu Sharma/Sunita Mudgil (Del) bt Manisha Bodas/Veena Joshi (Mah) 9-11, 11-6, 12-10, 13-11.

Women’s Doubles 60+: Final: Rashmi Soni/Rubi Kaur (MP) bt Mantu Murmu/Karabi Maity (WB) 8-11, 11-3, 11-13, 11-9, 11-7.