Mayank and Lakhwinder clinch double crowns, PKF Punjab State Masters Ranking Badminton Tournament concludes

Jalandhar(The Uttam Hindu): The PKF Punjab State Masters Ranking Badminton Tournament concluded on a high note at the Raizada Hansraj Badminton Stadium here on Sunday, with seasoned shuttlers Mayank Behal and Lakhwinder Pal Singh stealing the limelight by winning double crowns in their respective age groups.

Mayank Behal enjoyed a dominant outing in the 40+ category, capturing both the Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles titles, while Lakhwinder Pal Singh replicated the feat in the 45+ age group by winning the singles as well as doubles events. One of the highlights of the final day was the keenly contested Men’s Doubles 35+ final, where the Amritsar duo of Akshit Kumar and Navjot Singh Bhullar staged a spirited performance to defeat Abhinav Bahri and Anand Budh Sharma of Jalandhar in a thrilling three-game encounter.

National medalists Ram Lakhan and Anupam Kumaria also lived up to expectations, emerging champions in their respective age categories. The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Mangal Singh Bassi, Chairman, Punjab Agro Industries, as the chief guest.

     Chief guest Mangal Singh Bassi and PBA Secretary Ritin Khanna felicitate Lakhwinder Pal Singh at Raizada Hansraj Badminton Stadium, Jalandhar

Sharing details of the championship, Ritin Khanna, Secretary of the Punjab Badminton Association, said the tournament witnessed participation from around 200 veteran players from across Punjab, competing in 13 events ranging from 35+ to 70+ categories. He added that the next Punjab State Masters Championship will be held at Faridkot in February, and the combined winners of both tournaments will earn the right to represent Punjab at the National Masters Badminton Championships scheduled to be held at Srinagar in March.

In the final results, Anupam Kumaria (Ludhiana) won the Men’s Singles 65 title, defeating Khushvinder Singh (Jalandhar). Ram Lakhan and Sanjay Passi (Jalandhar) clinched the Men’s Doubles 60 crown, while Ram Lakhan also secured the Men’s Singles 60 title. Rajesh Grover (Ludhiana) emerged winner in Men’s Singles 55. Mohd. Saleem (PSPCL) dominated the 50+ category by winning both singles and, along with Sandeep Sharma, the doubles title. In the 45+ category, Lakhwinder Pal Singh and Rajesh Gandhi won the doubles, while Singh also claimed the singles crown. The Men’s Doubles 40 title went to Anuj Dhand and Mayank Behal, with Behal also lifting the singles trophy. In other results, Dr. Jasneet Kaur Johar (Pathankot) won the Women’s Singles 35 title, while Ravijot (Ropar) emerged champion in Men’s Singles 35.