Bandodkar Panjim Gymkhana Tennis Open 2026 draws 247 entries ahead of third edition

Goa Khabar : The third edition of the Bandodkar Panjim Gymkhana Tennis Open 2026 has attracted 247 entries, once again underlining the growing popularity of the state-level ranking tournament among tennis players across Goa.

The competition, which honours the memory of Goa’s first Chief Minister Dayanand Bandodkar, will be hosted from March 21 to March 29 at the Panjim Gymkhana courts in the state capital. Supported by the Goa State Tennis Association (GSTA) and the DB Bandodkar & Sons Group, the tournament continues to build on the momentum created by its earlier editions while providing a competitive platform for players across age groups.

Among the 247 registrations received, the junior categories account for a significant share of the entries. The boys under-12 category has drawn 10 participants, while eight players have registered in the girls under-12 division. In the under-14 category, 14 boys and nine girls will compete, while the under-18 category features 17 boys and 11 girls, reflecting strong participation from young players across the state.

Sameer Kakodkar, president of the Goa State Tennis Association, said the tournament has steadily gained traction over the past few years. “Events like this play an important role in encouraging more people to take up tennis and giving players of all age groups an opportunity to compete in a professional setting,” he said.

The masters categories will also see competitive participation, with 31 entries in the men’s 45+ singles, seven teams in the 45+ doubles, 10 players in the men’s 60+ singles, and seven teams in the 60+ doubles.

The open categories form the largest segment of the tournament, with 56 players registered for the men’s singles and 21 in the ladies’ singles. The doubles events include 21 teams in men’s open doubles, eight in ladies’ doubles, and 15 pairs in the mixed doubles category. The tournament will also feature an open wheelchair category with two entries, highlighting efforts to make the competition more inclusive.

Tournament Director Sandeep Heble said the event continues to provide a valuable competitive platform for tennis players in Goa. “The event brings together experienced players and promising young talent, creating an environment that encourages both learning and healthy competition,” he said.