Patna: The fifth Bihar State Closed Squash Championship began today at the Bankipur Club Squash Court in Patna, organised by the All Bihar State Squash Racket Association under the aegis of the Squash Racket Federation of India. Bankipur Club Secretary Gopal Khemka inaugurated the event, with Dr Sanjay Santhalia, the club’s Sports Director, gracing the occasion as a special guest.
Highlights from Day 1
Men’s Category
- Defending champion Abhiraj Singh dominated his first-round match, defeating Raja Kumar in straight sets: 11-0, 11-2, 11-7.
- Raja Kumar bounced back in his next match, defeating Bikram 11-0, 11-1, 11-0.
- Pawan Kumar triumphed over Vinit Kumar 11-2, 11-3, 11-5.
- Siddhant Kumar defeated Abhishek Kumar 11-1, 11-1, 11-2 to secure his spot in the next round.
Women’s Category
- Dr Kiran defeated Neha Kumari 11-2, 11-3, 11-5.
- Ayesha Ahmed overcame Anjani Rani in a thrilling first set before winning 14-12, 11-4, 11-3.
- Ashi Anand defeated Swarnima 11-3, 11-6, 11-7 to advance to the next round.
Boys U-13 Category
- Rudra Kumar defeated Ayush Raj 11-2, 11-4, 11-1.
- Akshay Kumar won against Fawaz Khan 11-1, 11-2, 11-2.
Boys U-15 Category
- Chandan Kumar secured victory over Agad Prakash 11-1, 11-3, 11-1.
- Vineet Kumar defeated Prince Kumar 11-3, 11-3, 11-6.
The inaugural ceremony also included a welcome address by the association’s convenor Shyam Kumar Jha and a vote of thanks delivered by Tej Narayan, Secretary of the Vaishali District Squash Association. Other dignitaries present included Dr Kaushal Kishore Singh, Secretary of the All Bihar State Squash Racket Association, alongside Avinash Kumar and Manish Kumar.
Tomorrow’s matches will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the same venue.
