Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Vasco Rebels emerged champions in the inaugural Badminton Pro League 2025 outplaying Mapusa Gladiators 120-111 in an exhilarating final at the Indoor Stadium, Campal, here, recently.
In the third-place play-off, Panjim Priority Titans edged out Siolim HighFlyers 120-114 in another nail-biting contest. The league, organised by Panjim Boys under the aegis of Goa Badminton Association, brought together Goa’s top shuttlers in a first-of-its-kind city-based badminton showdown. Each match comprised of 8 doubles events played in relay format, featuring men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles and veteran doubles.
Vasco Rebels team, owned by Praveen Shenoy, was captained by Kamlesh Kanji, while Mapusa Gladiators, owned by Nilesh Dhargalkar, was captained by Ayaan Shaikh.
The third place team, Panjim Priority Titans owned by Swapneel Nachiolkar and Dinesh Pai, was captained by Manish Pankhania.
The competition saw intense battles from the league stage, where Mapusa Gladiators, Siolim HighFlyers, and Margao Panthers ended with four points each in Group A, with Mapusa securing a final berth on superior score difference. Vasco Rebels dominated Group B, winning all three of their league matches, while Panjim Priority Titans finished second. The league also featured St Cruz Racket Warriors, Ponda Raqueteers, and Porvorim Ace Attackers, adding to the high-energy competition.
The winners, runners-up and third-place teams were awarded Rs 40,000, Rs 30,000, and Rs 20,000, respectively, along with the trophies. Sanand Nair and Shaurya Naik were named Impact Players of the Finals, while Manav Shetgaonkar and Avdhut Saptoji received the honour for the third-place play-off.
The prestigious Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards went to Vansh Khedkar (Men’s MVP) and Emilia Silveira (Women’s MVP).
The closing function was graced by chief guest Rajesh Dessai, managing director of Ritz Classic; Dr Mahendra Kudchadkar, prominent Orthopaedic Surgeon; Manoj Patil, GBA President; Praveen Shenoy, GBA Secretary; Referee Aman Raut Dessai and organising members Navneet Nasnodkar, Dr Mihir Desai, Naveen Palyekar, Samir Sangodkar, Rakesh Mallya, Vishal Shirodkar and Gaurang Bhangi among others.