Team Herald
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PANJIM: Goa’s impressive medal haul at the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) Nationals in Bengaluru highlighted the State’s growing stature in the sport, as the Goan contingent led by Captain Nishad Shevde returned with a haul of two gold, one silver and three bronze medals.
In the Team Events, Goa shone brilliantly with Noel Noronha, Wilfred Jacques, Mano Chhabra and Clarence Noronha clinching gold in the 50+ men’s team event, while the 40+ women’s team comprising Charmaine Godinho, Natasha De Ataide, Audrey Menezes and Meenakshi Chodankar put up a strong performance to secure the bronze medal.
Goa’s athletes continued their podium run in the individual open events as well. Aarin Ballani, partnering with Rajasthan’s Miheet Dhaneja, captured gold in the U-12 boys doubles. Veteran paddler Noel Noronha added to Goa’s tally with a silver in the 50+ men’s singles, while the duo of Charmaine Godinho and Natasha De Ataide earned bronze in the 40+ women’s doubles.
Audrey Menezes, teaming up with Maharashtra’s Ashnu Nichani, also secured a bronze in the 50+ women’s doubles, rounding off a highly successful campaign for Team Goa.
