Pune: 102 Participants Came Together To Play Badminton And Raised Funds For An Emerging Weightlifter
Siddhi Dharmadhikari
Pune, 21st July 2022: Ajay Raj Badminton Friendly Tournament was organized on Tuesday (July 17) at Sanas Sports Complex. 102 contestants participated in this competition. The competition was organised by Ajay Raj And Raj Singh, formal International Badminton players.
The tournament was organised to raise funds for an emerging weightlifter Ekta Somnath Walunj. Ekta’s financial situation is not stable. She is suffering from severe financial loss. Before this tournament as well, Raj and his Sikh Helpline Foundation helped Ekta financially so she can get one step closer to her dreams.
The tournament was divided into 5 categories; 30+ men, 35+ men, 40+ men, 45+ men and 50+ men. The tournament started from 8.00 pm to 1.00 am where participants who came from different parts of the Pune district and suburbs played 50 matches.
Anand Iyer won 25-23, 5-21, 25-23 and 21-11, 21-14 respectively in the 35+ and 40+ men’s doubles matches.
Also in 30+ Men’s Doubles, Sumit Singh and Rohit Kunte won 21-19,21-17 against Navin Kumar and Saurabh Rai and in 45+ Men’s Doubles Ajit Sapre and Ajit Gore 21-16,21-15 Recorded wins against Makarand Hardas and Shantanu.
Also in the 50+ men’s doubles final, Ajay Rawal and Sandeep Dangi faced off against Khamkar and Nair.
The tournament was sponsored by Red Devil. Apart from this, each player will be given a t-shirt with the logo of Red Devil. The energy drink in five different flavours will be provided for free to all players. The players were also provided with some snacks and fruits.
All the participants were provided with certificates while winners and runner-ups of the tournament were awarded by Ekta herself at the end of the tournament and then she was provided with a check of Rs one lakh.
While talking to PunekarNews.in, Raj said, “In our country, we have so much hidden talent like Ekta, but due to financial problems we lose our precious gems. Ekta, she is a very sweet girl and she needs exposure so people can help her financially. She is a budding athlete. She needs proper equipment, diet along with exercise.”
“I appeal to people who can help this child to achieve her dreams. My first responsibility is to help her get a state or central government job. I want her to be financially stable. We are always here to help this child grow and achieve her dreams in Commonwealth and Olympics,” Singh added further.
