Staff Reporter
Panaji
Phoenix Smashers triumphed in the PBC Enthu Badminton League Championship 2024, defeating Panjim Panthers 147-130 to lift the coveted championship trophy at the Indoor Stadium, Campal, Panaji on Monday.
The championship, organized by the Panjim Badminton Club in collaboration with Enthu, brought together 140 Masters players aged 35 and above, who competed across 10 teams in an exhilarating relay-scoring format.
Both Panjim Panthers and Phoenix Smashers displayed remarkable form throughout the league stage, winning four matches each to top their respective groups.
Kumpoo Challengers and High Voltage secured their semi-final berths with three wins apiece, setting the stage for high-octane matches.
In the semi-finals, Panjim Panthers cruised past High Voltage 147-122, while Phoenix Smashers narrowly edged Kumpoo Challengers 147-137 in a nail-biting contest, demonstrating the depth of competition and the resilience of the finalists.
The final itself was a closely contested affair, with both teams exchanging blows, but Phoenix Smashers held their nerve to seal the victory and claim the championship.
Each team was composed of 14 players, with matches featuring seven doubles pairs battling for supremacy.
The excitement reached fever pitch at times, with heated discussions and disputes on the court — all part of the fierce but friendly rivalry that defines Masters badminton.
The closing ceremony was graced by key figures from the Goa Badminton Association, including President Manoj Patil, Secretary Praveen Shenoy, and Organizing Secretary
Sandeep Heble.
Sandeep Heble reflected on the event’s success, saying, “We witnessed top-level competition, with coaches, national medalists, and state champions showcasing their skills. The atmosphere was charged, and the camaraderie among the Masters players was outstanding.”
