50th Dr O.P. Bhalla Haryana State Sub Junior Badminton Championship draws to a close leaving a lasting impression on seasoned and budding players

The 50th Dr O.P. Bhalla Haryana State Sub Junior Badminton Championship being held by Faridabad District Badminton Association (FDBA) under the aegis of Haryana Badminton Association finally drew to a close amidst much thunderous applause and wide appreciation of the players, organizers, coaches. There were mixed feelings among the 700 participants from 21 Districts of Haryana as they competed with each other to win top laurels. The Championship was a great learning experience for each of them as they picked up the latest techniques and styles from their peers and stalwarts in the game. But there were also moments of sadness as the players felt they would be missing the camaraderie, fun and sporting spirit that had become integral to the event. The participants were taking back with them memories of a lifetime apart from the laurels they had worked so hard to win. While Devika Sihag from Panchkula won the Under 13 Girls Singles category, it was Bharat who had won the winners trophy in the Under 13 Boys category; that apart, Nikita from Sonepat bagged the winners position in the Under 15 Girls Singles category. The Closing Ceremony witnessed the august presence of Mr Devender Singh (IAS), President, HBA as the Chief Guest on the occasion while Dr Prashant Bhalla, President, MREI, presided over the function as Guest of Honour.

The Championship which was held at the Manav Rachna Sports Academy (MRSA) in Sector 14, Faridabad, was full on zest and enthusiasm. Addressing the Badminton players at the Closing Ceremony, Mr Devender Singh (IAS), President, HBA, congratulated all associated with the Championship-the participants, organisers, coaches and parents- for contributing towards the success of a Tournament of this stature. He stated further, “It is a matter of immense pride that Haryana has emerged as the Champions in North Zone, carving its indomitable position at the national level . The State Badminton Championship has given a fresh impetus to the sport of badminton taking it to a whole new level, thanks to the ceaseless efforts of FDBA and Manav Rachna Sports Academy.”

Congratulating the participants and winners on the occasion, Dr Prashant Bhalla, President, MREI said, “Manav Rachna has always believed in the ethos of creating  better human beings and bringing better values to the nation. Sports and academics at the Institution go hand in hand, a vision espoused by my Founder Father Dr O.P. Bhalla. Sports has grown at a phenomenal pace in Haryana and in that the efforts put in by FDBA is highly commendable. We are happy that the participants have played for the love of the game and we hope that the spirit continues.”

Also present on the occasion were a galaxy of eminent personalities including Dr M.M. Kathuria, Trustee, MREI; Mr. Ajay Singhania (General Secretary, HBA), C.K Bhai (Patron, FDBA), B.R.  Bhandari (Patron, FDBA), Sarkar Talwar (Patron, FDBA), Umed Sharma (General Secretary, RDBA & Current observer of the ongoing tournament) & Sanjay Sapra (General Secretary, FDBA). The five days of Badminton ended on a positive note in which every player will make a comeback next year in their finest form.