Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Jul 24: Mathsyaraj Group Sports and Culture Club is set to organise a two-day Mathsyaraj Karnataka Badminton League at Ajjarkad Badminton Indoor Stadium, Udupi, on July 27 and 28.
Pradeep Shetty, a 40+ category player, addressed the media during a press meet held on Wednesday, July 24, stating, "This is the first time such a large-scale Badminton League is being organized in Coastal Karnataka. The tournament aims to encourage players from Coastal Karnataka region to compete at the state and national levels. A significant number of badminton players from coastal districts, along with state and national level ranking players, will participate in the tournament."
Pradeep informed that more than 300 players have already registered for the tournament, with 180 players selected through a bidding process.
Ten teams, each comprising 18 players, will compete in the tournament. Prizes worth Rs 4 lacs will be awarded to the winners.
The tournament will commence with an inauguration ceremony on Saturday morning, July 27, and conclude with a closing ceremony on the evening of July 28.
The event will be graced by dignitaries including U T Khader, Karnataka Assembly Speaker, Vinay Kumar Sorake, former MLA, Dr G Shankar, leader of Mogaveera Samaja Nadoja and Congress leaders Mithun Rai and Prasadraj Kanchan among other notable personalities.
The tournament will feature various categories such as Men's Open, Men's Doubles 30+, Open Mixed Doubles, Men's Doubles 40+, and Women's Doubles 40+, catering to players at different skill levels from state, national, and local levels. The bidding process for player selection was held at Manipal Inn, and the league will see participation from about 10 players who have represented Team India.
The participating teams include National Smashers from Thirthahalli, Prasadatmath Warriors, Evening Shuttle Friends from Ajjerkadu, Mattu Warriors, Retrosmashers from Karkala, Big Beaters from Ambalpady, Daring Jaguars, Roshan Smashers from Kundapura, Malsi Coastal Smashers, and Galaxy Sports.
Key figures from the organising committee including Keshav M Kotian, president of Mathsyaraj Group Sports and Culture Club, Abhijith Kotian, secretary, Snavi Shetty, National-level player and coach, Puneeth, badminton coach, and Rahul Shetty, state-level athlete, were present at the press meet.