Lucknow. Organised by Excellia School and Excellia Badminton Academy, the Smt. Hemlata Pathak Memorial Open District Badminton Tournament concluded after four days of exciting competition, bringing together talented shuttlers across age groups and reaffirming Excellia’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent beyond the classroom.
As matches progressed from league stages to knockout rounds and finals, the courts witnessed intense rallies, close contests and moments of determination that kept spectators engaged throughout the tournament. Parents, coaches and supporters cheered from the sidelines as young players showcased their skills and composure under pressure.
Speaking about the role of sports in education, Asheesh Pathak, Director, Excellia School, said, “Sports play a vital role in shaping a child’s personality. They teach focus, discipline, resilience and the confidence to perform under pressure. These lessons stay with students long after they leave the court.”
The tournament concluded with impressive performances across categories. In the Open section, Shaurya Pratap Singh won the Men’s Singles title, while Anayika emerged champion in Women’s Singles. Shaurya Pratap Singh and Shivam Joshi secured the Men’s Doubles title, while Anayika and Prashasti Sharma claimed the Women’s Doubles championship. The Senior Mixed Doubles title went to Shivam Joshi and Arpana Singh.
The junior categories also produced outstanding champions, including Abhijay, Kimaya, Samriddh Pandey, Anvika, Deepak Sehgal, Sara, Atul Mohan, and Aadya Katiyar, among others, who impressed throughout the tournament with their skill and determination.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ram Mohan Agarwal, President, Lucknow District Badminton Association & Devendra Kaushal, former Indian Junior Team Coach and Chief Coach, Excellia Badminton Academy, said, “Competitive exposure is essential for a player’s growth. The standard of badminton displayed throughout the tournament was extremely encouraging and reflected the hard work being put in by young athletes.”
Felicitating the winners and runners-up, Lt. Col. Gaurav Singh, Director, Sports Authority of India, appreciated the initiative and said, “Such tournaments provide young athletes with an important platform to compete, learn and develop. They play a key role in identifying and nurturing future sporting talent.”
Guest of Honour Mr. Sanjay Singh, Finance Controller, UPEIDA, graced the occasion. A keen sports enthusiast with a special interest in badminton, he appreciated the high standard of competition and encouraged young athletes to pursue excellence through discipline, dedication, and perseverance.
The tournament was conducted under the leadership of Chairman Puneet Pathak, Vice-Chairperson Manju Pathak, Director Shalini Pathak, Principal Meenu Srivastava, Mentor Dr. S.K. Mishra, Chief Coach of Excellia Badminton Academy Mr. Devendra Kaushal, Tournament Referee Mr. K. Gopal, Tournament In-charge Mr. A.R. Ansari, and the organising team headed by Mr. Praveen Pandey of Excellia School and Excellia Badminton Academy. Mr. Ajay Yadav, Mr. Brijesh Singh, Mr. Ashish Kumar, along with other school staff and teachers, also played an important role in the successful conduct of the event.
The successful conclusion of the tournament reaffirmed Excellia’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent and promoting badminton at the grassroots level. The event concluded with participants, coaches, and supporters looking forward to the next edition of the championship.
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