Thursday 02 / May / 2024
Muscat: Mohammed Ansar Salam and Shinul Basheer held firm in a thrilling men’s doubles final to lift the title at the second edition of Shifa Al Jazeera Hospital and Polyclinic Group-sponsored ISD Alumni Badminton tournament held at Indian School Darsait (ISD) on Friday.
In a pulsating summit clash, Ansar and Shinul prevailed over Floury Mathunny George and Suraj Haridas to clinch the top honours.
Ansar Salam, who won the inaugural title too in the company of Shehbaz Nasser, said: “This was not an easy game. We played under a lot of pressure but gald to have survived to lift the title. They (Floury and Suraj) are too good and never wanted to give-up despite injuries and the pressure they faced. We enjoyed it and so did the crowd.”
Showing the kind of form that has helped him capture the title last year, Ansar along with Shinul eased through the first game and forged ahead in the second before the crowd who came to support the two players went berserk.
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“It’s always good to come back and play in the ISD Alumni’s badminton tournament,” said Shinul.
Ansar, meanwhile, credited rigorous practice and proper planning for their title win.
“We were practicing every day for over a month now and that actually helped us to produce our best game. Floury and Suraj are young and talented players and they still have a long way to go. I am sure they will come back strong next time and win the title,” Ansar added.
Deepu-Steffi win mixed doubles
Meanwhile, Deepu Saseendran and Steffie Shawn won the mixed doubles title after they convincingly beat Shinul Basheer and Pallavi Singh in another exciting final. Deepu along with Steffie gave the opponents little time to think and produced a commanding performance.
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“This is my first title and winning it in front of my friends and well-wishers who came to support is very special,” said Deepu.
Chief Guest Thomas George, convener of Indian School Darsait’s management committee, gave away the prizes to the winners.
Shifa Al Jazeera Hospital and Polyclinic Group presented the tournament while Mai Dubai was the refreshment partner. Other sponsors were Pocari Sweat by Muscat Pharmacy and Red Bull.
