The prestigious Yonex Sunrise tournament celebrates the legacy of Maharashtra’s badminton legend.
The much-awaited Yonex Sunrise Gautam Thakkar Memorial Maharashtra State Junior Badminton Championship 2025 began today at the historic Bombay Gymkhana, creating an electrifying atmosphere for young badminton enthusiasts across the state. The five-day event, taking place from December 17 to 21, is expected to witness some of Maharashtra’s most promising junior shuttlers battling it out for top honors in multiple categories.
Organized under the aegis of the Maharashtra Badminton Association (MBA), in association with Bombay Gymkhana, and sponsored by Yonex Sunrise, the championship honors the memory of the late Gautam Thakkar, a renowned badminton player who dedicated his life to promoting the sport in India.
The tournament is a significant platform for emerging talents who aim to progress from state-level competition to the national circuit. More than 500 participants from various districts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Thane, and others, have registered across different age groups in both boys’ and girls’ singles and doubles categories.
A Prestigious Platform for Junior Talent
For over a decade, the Gautam Thakkar Memorial Championship has been a stepping stone for young players aspiring to represent India at national and international tournaments. Many former winners of this championship have gone on to achieve remarkable success on bigger stages, making this event an important chapter in Maharashtra’s badminton calendar.
This year’s event promises an even tougher competition, as the field includes several state ranking holders and national-level players. The matches are being played in a professional environment at Bombay Gymkhana’s indoor courts, known for their world-class facilities and sports heritage.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, an official from the Maharashtra Badminton Association highlighted that this championship not only commemorates Gautam Thakkar’s invaluable contribution to the sport but also seeks to inspire the next generation to follow in his footsteps. The event continues to carry Thakkar’s legacy forward by nurturing talent and promoting sportsmanship among young players.
Five Days of High-Intensity Action
The tournament is structured to feature matches across Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 categories. Players will compete in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles formats. Early-round matches began today, and the semi-finals and finals are scheduled for the weekend.
Each day will feature some of the best young shuttlers on court, with matches starting from morning sessions and continuing late into the evening. The event is expected to draw a sizable crowd of parents, coaches, and badminton enthusiasts, all cheering for Maharashtra’s next generation of badminton stars.
Tournament organizers have also ensured that all COVID-19 safety measures and standard sports protocols are followed to guarantee a safe and fair competition for the participants.
Yonex Sunrise’s Continued Support for Indian Badminton
The Yonex Sunrise brand, known globally for its commitment to badminton, continues to play a pivotal role in grooming Indian badminton talent. As the principal sponsor, Yonex Sunrise has been instrumental in organizing multiple grassroots and state-level tournaments that provide budding players with exposure and experience.
Their partnership with Maharashtra Badminton Association for this championship underscores their dedication to supporting youth sports and strengthening India’s position as a leading badminton nation.
Representatives from Yonex Sunrise expressed their delight in being associated with the prestigious event once again, emphasizing their long-term vision of developing junior athletes through consistent opportunities, training support, and high-quality equipment
Tribute to Gautam Thakkar’s Legacy
The event also serves as a tribute to Gautam Thakkar, who was not only a celebrated player but also a mentor and promoter of sports excellence in Maharashtra. His contributions as a player, coach, and sports administrator have left an enduring mark on Indian badminton.
Through this championship, his name continues to inspire young players to adopt discipline, sportsmanship, and dedication—values that Gautam Thakkar personified throughout his life.
A short memorial ceremony was also held at the opening event today, where senior members from Bombay Gymkhana and the state sports fraternity fondly remembered Thakkar’s immense contributions to the sport.
Looking Ahead: Building a Strong Future for Maharashtra Badminton
The Maharashtra Badminton Association has outlined its vision to strengthen grassroots development and identify potential players who can be groomed through structured training programs. The ongoing Yonex Sunrise Gautam Thakkar Memorial Championship is seen as a key part of this vision, helping scouts and coaches identify top-performing young athletes for the state and national camps.
Officials have also highlighted the role of district-level academies and infrastructure improvements over recent years that have resulted in Maharashtra consistently producing top-ranked junior players in India.
Finals and Closing Ceremony
The championship will conclude on December 21, with the final matches in all major age categories followed by the prize distribution ceremony. Winners and runners-up will receive trophies, medals, and Yonex Sunrise-sponsored badminton kits.
A host of dignitaries from the sports community, including former national players and MBA officials, will attend the closing ceremony to felicitate the victors and acknowledge the efforts of the organizing committee.
As the competition heats up over the next few days, badminton lovers across Maharashtra will keep a close eye on the performances at Bombay Gymkhana. For many participants, this championship is not just a tournament—it’s a dream stage to mark their arrival in the world of Indian badminton.
