Patna: In the opening match of the girls’ category at the 15th Dhyanchand Memorial Ball Badminton Tournament, held on Saturday at the Kilkari Bihar Bal Bhavan courts, Kilkari “A” emerged victorious over Kilkari “B” with scores of 35-29 and 35-32, marking the beginning of their victory campaign. Harshita, Divya, and Khushi from Kilkari “A”, along with Ankita, Naina, and Khushi from Kilkari “B”, showcased excellent performances in this closely contested match.
The five-day tournament, organised under the Sports Day programme, was formally inaugurated by Prof. Nawal Kishore Yadav, President of the Ball Badminton Federation of India and Member of the Bihar Legislative Council, along with the chief guest, Sanjay Kumar, District Education Officer of Patna. The ceremony included the release of a balloon, followed by an introduction to the players.
In his address to the players and sports enthusiasts, Prof. Nawal Kishore Yadav highlighted the various initiatives being implemented to promote ball badminton in both urban and rural areas of the state. He emphasised the importance of enhancing facilities for players in schools and colleges, which serve as nurseries for budding athletes.
The chief guest, Sanjay Kumar, District Education Officer of Patna, expressed his pride in the rising status of athletes and assured that efforts are being made to strengthen school playgrounds in Patna. He also promised that sports equipment and all necessary facilities would be provided to ball badminton players.
The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including Dr. Manish Mandal, Medical Superintendent of IGIMS Patna; Prof. Om Prakash Rai, Principal of L.S. College Muzaffarpur; Pawan Kumar Kejriwal, Director of the Bihar Ball Badminton Association; Jyoti Parihar, Director of Kilkari; and Dr. Faiz Ahmed, Principal of Uchcha Vidyalaya Rupas, all of whom addressed the gathering.
Gouri Shankar, Secretary of the Bihar Ball Badminton Association, and Joint Secretary Mitali Mitra welcomed the guests, while Dr. Arun Dayal, Secretary of the Patna District Ball Badminton Association, delivered a vote of thanks. The event was hosted by Vansha Singh.
