Indian sports wrap, December 20:

BADMINTON

BAI conducts coaches development programme for para badminton

The Badminton Association of India has conducted its first-ever coaches development programme for para badminton (grassroots) in Raipur from December 16 to 20, marking a significant step in strengthening the coaching framework supporting the sport’s growth in the country.

The five-day programme has brought together coaches from across India for specialised training aimed at building long-term capacity in para-badminton.

The course is being hosted under the guidance of Dronacharya Awardee Gaurav Khanna, the national head coach of the Indian para-badminton team, and features a comprehensive curriculum that combines classroom sessions with on-court practical modules.

Participants are being trained in disability awareness, para-sport governance, classification systems, assistive equipment, coaching methodology, medical support requirements and event organisation, offering a holistic understanding of the discipline.

Para-badminton in India is currently witnessing a phase of sustained growth.

Indian shuttlers won 18 medals at the 2024 BWF Para-Badminton World Championships. That momentum carried into the Paris Paralympics 2024, where India secured five medals.

– PTI

SQUASH

Joshna Chinappa, Veer Chotrani reach Western India squash semifinals

Joshna Chinappa and Veer Chotrani qualified for the semifinals of the CCI Western India Squash tournament in Mumbai on Saturday.

Chinappa defeated Reiva Nimalkar 11-4, 11-3, 11-5 to move into the semifinals whereas the second seed Sanya Vats had to struggle to get the better of Pooja Arthi R 11-6, 10-12, 11-3, 11-5 for her spot in the final four.

In the men’s category, Chotrani was made to work hard by Mahesh Mangaonkar. Chotrani fought hard to record a win of 11-9, 11-9, 12-10.

In another match, the second seed Suraj Chand defeated Purav Rambhia 11-3, 11-5, 11-1.

– PTI

Published on Dec 20, 2025