In a spectacular display of skill and endurance, upcoming city shuttler Padmaja Singh dominated the Shri O N Dixit Memorial Winter District Badminton tournament, clinching a staggering seven titles. The week-long competition concluded at the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium in Jaipur, crowning multiple champions across categories.
Padmaja Singh's Stunning Supremacy
Padmaja Singh ruled the roost, signing off in grand style on the final day by winning both her finals with ease. She first secured the U-15 girls singles title by defeating Aaradhya Dhingra with a commanding score of 21-9, 21-10. Not stopping there, she reigned supreme in the women's singles final, ousting Ojaswita 21-12, 21-12 to cap off her remarkable seven-title haul.
Other Champions Make Their Mark
While Padmaja was the undisputed star, other players also stamped their authority in style. Tejeshwar Poonia, Nikhil Nath Yogi, and Advita Sharma each claimed a triple crown. Tejeshwar Poonia displayed brilliant gameplay in the men's singles final, downing Ayush Yadav 21-7, 21-18 to emerge champion.
The finals day witnessed several thrilling encounters. In the U-17 boys doubles, the pair of Aryan Singh and Akshat Shekhawat rallied back superbly to beat Dinesh Choudhary and Vinay Pratap in a tough three-game match 18-21, 21-16, 21-12.
In another exciting final, the U-19 girls doubles combination of Advita Sharma and Garima Yadav triumphed over Angel and Varsha Singh 21-9, 23-21. The men's doubles summit clash saw Ansh Katara and Himanshu Gupta trounce Aryan Singh and Akshat 21-16, 21-16.
Scholarships and Felicitations
The tournament also highlighted support for budding talent. The Shanti Mehta Scholarship, initiated by Jaipur District Badminton Association (JDBA) president Anil Mehta, was awarded to five players: Padmaja Singh, Tejeshwar Poonia, Satyam Gurjar, Aradhya Dhingra, and Varsha Singh. Under this scheme, three players received Rs 21,000 each, while two were granted Rs 11,000 each.
Furthermore, the Justice Narendra Kumar Jain Foundation Trust awarded 20 young players and 10 senior players for their excellent performances.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by chief guests including Principal Director of Income Tax Investigation Awadhesh Kumar, retired chief justice NK Jain, General Manager of NABARD Nikhil Pandey, former minister Mahesh Joshi, and JDBA secretary Manoj Dasot. Members of the Dixit family were also present.
Referee KK Mathur, Jagdish Khatri, umpire Dharamraj, and match controller Pankaj Saini were felicitated during the ceremony. JDBA president Anil Mehta concluded the programme by thanking all players, families, spectators, and officials.
