By Rawle Toney
The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) concluded their Mashramani Junior Single’s tournament last Sunday at the Queen’s College Badminton Court with some of Guyana’s top junior players coming out victorious.
In the under-15 boys finals, Jason-Ray Khalil got past Narayan Ramdhani but not without a good fight from the 10-year-old as the game ended 21-17 and 21-18. Over on the ladies side in the same age group, Anissa Rodrigues easily disposed of Anuradha Odit 21-8 and 21-13.
Khalil’s efforts to claim the championship were thwarted by Nicholas Ali who went on to claim the under-17 boys title winning 21-11 and 21-11 in the finals. Former national junior sportswoman Ashley Khalil won the girls under-17 title by stopping Anissa Rodrigues 21-12 and 21-14 in the Finals.
According to president of the GBA Gokarn Ramdhani, he was satisfied with the level of play shown in the tournament and stated that the players are showing that they are ready to move up in the competition level. Ramdhani also singled out Nicholas Ali whom he said is showing steady signs of improvement in the sport and could be a force to reckon with if he moves up the ladder.
The presentation will be made to the under-11, 13, 15 and 17 winners, runner-ups and third place winners along with some special prizes on Friday at 6:00 pm at the Queen’s College Badminton Court.
In the meantime, the GBA president said that at present they are awaiting the use of the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall to run off their seniors and open tournaments.
