Sports reporter
JAMMU: Keeratpreet on Saturday emerged as State champion after her opponent in Diksha Salgotra conceded during the title clash of the 43rd State Badminton Championship being held under the banner of J and K Badminton Association at twin venues of MA Stadium and Police Badminton Hall, here. The game went to Keerat as Diksha who was leading by 13-10 in the opening set, could not continue because of an ankle injury. Left with no other option, the technical penal declared Keerat the winner.
Meanwhile, in men singles event, Divum Gupta, Divum Langeh, Vikram Saini and Vipul Saini have qualified for the semifinals. The Results: Quarterfinals: Divum Gupta bt Raghav Dogra 21-18, 21-16; Divum Langeh bt Shantul Raina 21-19, 21-18; Vikram bt Manish Sharma 21-16, 21-11; Vipul bt Sunil Bakshi 21-19, 21-12.
Meanwhile, the under-19 boys’ doubles title went to the pair of Divum and Raghav, who beat Mohit and Savinay 21-13, 21-16. The under-17 girls doubles final won by the duo of Naman and Peehushi, who beat Bhavini and Niteshi 21-20, 19-21,21-17.
In other age groups, Mohit shall be playing against Puranjay in the under-17 boys singles final while the same age category of girls, Niteshi shall lock horns against Peehushi. Similarly, in under-19 girls singles tile clash, Divum Gupta shall meet Raghav Dogra while Niteshi shall take on Peehushi in under-19 girls final.
The finals and valedictory function of the left out events shall take place tomorrow. As per the organisers, J and K Badminton Association, Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Prakash Ganga has consented to be chief guest during the finals slated to be held at 4:00 PM at Police Line Badminton Hall, here.
