PANJIM: Goa’s badminton sensation Tanisha Crasto has created history by winning gold at the Yonex Sunrise 43rd Junior Nationals Badminton championships, at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on Saturday.
She is the first Goan to achieve such a feat in Under-19 girls doubles event, partnering Aditi Bhatt from Uttarakhand.
In the final, they put up a fantastic performance, dominating the match from start to finish to defeat local favourites Shruti Mishra and Samridhi Singh from Uttar Pradesh 21-13, 21-10.
Earlier in the semi-final, Tanisha and her partner who were seeded fifth had a sublime run in this championship, where they knocked out top seeds Simran Singhi and Ritika Thaker.
Tanisha also won a bronze in the Under-19 mixed doubles, partnering Ishaan Bhatnagar from Chhattisgarh.
Meanwhile, the Goa Badminton Association hailed Tanisha for her achievement.
Secretary Sandeep Heble said, “Badminton is one of the most popular games in India which makes Tanisha’s achievement all the more remarkable, given the highly competitive nature of the sport.”
“Government must recognise the achievements of athletes such as Tanisha and various others who are bringing so many laurels for the State. To achieve success at the highest level requires specialised training and a lot of financial support. Government must come out with a long term plan to identify and nurture the best pool of talent from Goa.”
“Our heartiest congratulations to Tanisha, her coaches and proud parents.”
