Udaipur: Several exciting matches were played on Sunday at the Rajasthan State Badminton Sub-Junior Under-17 Championship, with talented players from across the state competing for places in the main draw.

Organising Secretary Sudhir Bakshi said the qualifying rounds witnessed strong performances as players secured their places in the main competition. Lokesh Kumar Soni is serving as the tournament referee, while Pankaj Saini is overseeing match control.

Tough Contests in Boys’ Category

In the boys’ category, Videh Jain defeated Karan Jat 15-4, 15-12, while Mohit Gupta beat Tanuj Mahawar 15-7, 15-9. Vaibhav Dadhich [5/8] defeated Naksh Jain 15-10, 15-11.

Pranshu Hiranwal overcame Eshan Banker 11-15, 15-11, 15-10 to book his place in the main draw.

Keertiraj, Darshil Nair [5/8], Harsh Kandpal, Kushal Acharya, Sunny Jangid, Lakshya Raj Singh Nathawat, Bhavesh Bhadu [5/8], Prashant, Digvijay Singh Shekhawat, Manveer Bishnoi [5/8], Aryan Prajapati and Utkarsh Singh Rathore [3/4] also won their respective matches to advance to the main draw.

Upsets Add Excitement in Girls’ Category

In the girls’ category, top seed Miraya Fagaria [1] defeated Ada Verma 15-13, 15-11, while Advika Agarwal [5/8] beat Brinda Lakhiyani 15-4, 15-12. Kiara Goyal defeated Garvita 15-12, 15-10.

Bhavika Bhagsara, Sakshi Singh [5/8], Ojashwita Dubey and Rakshandha Bisht also registered impressive victories to qualify for the main draw.

The biggest upset in the girls’ category came when Saloni Prajapat defeated second seed Pearl Pareek [2] 15-11, 15-13. With the victory, Saloni emerged as a strong contender in the tournament.

Joint Secretary Chand Chawat said the main-draw matches will begin at 9 a.m. on Monday at Lav-Kush Stadium and Chawat Sports Academy. The main draw will feature some of the state’s leading young players, promising intense competition.

Vice-President Himmat said players, coaches and parents were particularly enthusiastic about the main round. The draw for the main round was conducted at 5 p.m. on Sunday, setting the stage for a highly competitive day of badminton on Monday.