Dubai: The India Club UAE Open Badminton tournament’s objective of spreading the game among youngsters got a big boost with Tanisha Crasto, a 14-year-old ninth grade student at the Indian High School, winning the women’s singles title.
Tanisha created history in the 40th edition of the Henna Speedy UAE Open Badminton Tournament by becoming the youngest ever to win the women’s title.
Tanisha, who is an India Club member, had worked hard for this honour by training at the badminton courts of the India Club.
Her achievement delighted the organisers who have created excellent facilities for badminton at the club.
Tanisha had also won the mixed doubles title partnering Ketan Chahal, the girls singles Under-14 year title winner, and also girls singles Under-16 title winner, at the India Club UAE Open badminton tournament last year.
Tanisha defeated Negin Amiripour from Iran in a straight contest of two sets 21-9, 21-19.
Playing on her home court, she had the backing of the crowd throughout the match. Her shots were immaculate and she dominated her opponent.
In the master’s singles 45 years finals, Nitin Gandhi defeated Fahyani Rianto 21-19, 15-21; 5-6. Nitin won the first set while Fahyani took the second set. Fahyani retired hurt in the third set resulting in Nitin being declared the winner. In the mixed doubles, Tanisha partnering Ketan defeated Sachin Seth and Dhanya Bonny 21-12, 21-15.
Keen contests were held in various categories, especially in mixed doubles for above 40 years of age, mixed doubles for above 45 years of age and the masters doubles for above 45.
The final of all events are expected to conclude late Friday night to be followed by a colourful presentation ceremony.
The India Club badminton is also the richest badminton tournament with prize money of over Dh60,000 and backed with air tickets, trophies and gift hampers for the top performers.
The 39th edition of this tournament last year got a four star rating from the Dubai Sports Council in the sports events ranking system.
This year India Club did not invite ranked players from India, as they wanted to develop local talent.
This year contests were held in 28 categories but 15 categories have been staged for juniors emphasising the importance to attract youngsters into the game. Matches were held every day on weekdays from 7pm and on Fridays from 10am.
Results:
Women’s Singles final: Tanisha Crasto bt Negin Amiripour 21-9, 21-19;
Masters singles 45 year final: Nitin Gandhi bt Fahyani Rianto 21-19, 15-21; 5-6 (Fahyani retired hurt)
Mixed Doubles 40 years: Mohd Shoaib Butt / Sarah Caraig bt Vijay Sekhar / Reeja Alexander 21-9, 21-17;
Mixed Doubles 45 Years: Dinesh Nair / Dilisuci Desuari Sela bt Navdeep Singh / Teena Mary Cherian 21-8, 21-8;
James Varghese / Febriani Endar Kusumawati bt Roby Varghese / Dhanya Bonny 21-11, 21-16.
