The four-day Punjab State Sub-Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament commenced today at the iconic Raizada Hansraj Badminton Stadium, Jalandhar.
Organised under the aegis of the Punjab Badminton Association, the tournament will continue till May 22.
The championship was inaugurated by chief guest Amritpal Singh Sukhanand, MLA and president of the Punjab Badminton Association (PBA). Addressing the gathering, MLA Sukhanand stated that, for the first time in Punjab's history, the sports budget has witnessed a massive increase from Rs 350 crore to Rs 1,791 crores reflecting the government's serious commitment towards sports development.
Sharing details of the event, PBA secretary Ritin Khanna informed that the tournament has received an overwhelming response, with over 600 entries from nearly 400 players representing 23 districts of Punjab. Competitions are being conducted in 10 events across the Under-15 and Under-17 categories for boys and girls. Total 500 matches will be played in next 4 days. The finals will be played on May 22 and winners will be presented with cash prizes and other attractive rewards.
In an emotional tribute, the association honoured the memory of Late Mayank Sharma and Sahib, two promising young badminton players of the state who tragically lost their lives in separate road accidents.
Jalandhar's international badminton player Manya Ralhan was also felicitated by the chief guest with a cash award of Rs 31,000 for winning a bronze medal at the Saint Denis Open held in France.