THURSDAY, JULY 04, 2024
Team Herald
RAIA: The 8th YMCA All-Goa Major Ranking Table Tennis Tournament concluded in thrilling fashion at the SAG indoor stadium, Campal-Panjim, with Anshuman Agarwal and Pradnya Caro emerging men’s and women’s singles winners, thereby securing the Late Baptista Vaz Rolling Trophies.
Pradnya had a great run in the tournament, adding two more titles in U-17 and U-19 girls to bag a triple crown. Chandan Caro too secured a triple - winning titles in the U-13, U-15 and U-19 boys to join his sister in achieving this unique feat. The YMCA Major Ranking Tournament which had more than 200 entries saw a series of impressive victories across various age groups.
In the girls U-11 category, Sachi Dessai triumphed over Inara D’Souza with a clean sweep of 3-0 (11-8, 11-7, 11-1); while Yug Prabhu dominated Kavish Dalvi 3-0 (11-3, 11-4, 11-6) in the boys U-11 final.
Ishita Colaso showcased her skill in the girls U-13 category by defeating Aarna Lotlikar 3-0 (11-8, 11-1, 11-5). Chandan Caro emerged victorious in the boys U-13 and boys U-15 categories, defeating Dhruva Kamat 3-0 (11-7, 11-3, 11-6) and Rishan Shaikh 3-1 (5-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-3) respectively. Neeza Kamat won the girls U-15 title by overcoming Ishita Colaso 3-0 (11-8, 11-6, 11-2).
In the higher age groups, Pradnya Caro excelled by winning both the girls U-17 and girls U-19 titles, defeating Ishita Colaso 3-1 (11-4, 11-7, 5-11, 11-5) and Anushri Naik 3-0 (11-7, 11-3, 11-6) respectively.
Aaron Farias took the boys U-17 title by beating Chandan Caro 3-1 (9-11, 11-5, 12-10, 11-7); while Chandan reversed the result, securing victory in the boys U-19 final against Aaron with a close 3-2 win (13-11, 7-11, 6-11, 11-6, 11-8).
Anshuman Agarwal claimed the men’s title, defeating Rishan Shaikh 4-1 (9-11, 11-9, 11-7, 11-8, 12-10), and Pradnya Caro won the women’s title in a thrilling match against Urvi Surlakar 3-2 (10-12, 10-12, 12-10, 11-7, 11-9). The veterans doubles title was secured by the duo of Deepak Gopani and Prashant Kaisare, who edged out Shawn Soares and Ratnadeep Shivani 3-2.
The tournament was organised by YMCA Panjim under the aegis with Goa Table Tennis Association and SAG. In a special ceremony, Lloyd Fernandes, a national and international medal winner in para table tennis, was felicitated for his contributions and achievements in the sport, his presence adding a layer of inspiration. The YMCA dignitaries namely Adv Joseph Vaz, Elvis Gomes, Clyde Lobo, Roy Gaspar, Errol Pires, Sanil Da Costa, Alvito D’Silva and GTTA Secretary Christopher Menezes were among those who graced the closing function.
