One for the history books: A great number of Shepp Feathers Badminton Club members contested the Champions Trophy, while parliamentarians Sam Birrell, Wendy Lovell and Kim O’Keeffe attended the spectacle.
Photo by
AB Photography
Top level badminton was on display on Saturday as the Monteleone Homes Shepp Feathers Champions Trophy took centre stage at Shepparton Sports Stadium.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The national level tournament served up close to eight hours of elite play, drawing 32 teams — 10 of which were from the Goulburn Valley — to the courts.
The pairing of Sanish Sam and Ankur Bhatia collected the grand prize of $1000 after winning the tournament, while Praguna Kapoor and Karan Arora claimed runners-up rights and landed $500 in the process.
Anandu Gopakumar and Tino Augustin rounded out the podium, finishing second runners-up to take home $250.
In sync: Praguna Kapoor and Karan Arora.
Photo by
AB Photography
Image 2 of 7
Jump and slam: Ankur Bhatia.
Photo by
AB Photography
Image 3 of 7
Waiting to return: Anil Devassy and Solly Pappachan.
Photo by
AB Photography
Image 4 of 7
Boom time: Synergy Badminton Club's Tino Augustin.
Photo by
AB Photography
Image 5 of 7
Top effort: (From left) Praguna Kapoor (runner up), Ankur Bhatia (winner), Sanish Sam (winner) and Karan Arora (runner up).
Photo by
AB Photography
Image 6 of 7
The team: Shepp Feathers Badminton Club’s executive members (from left) Anil Devassy, Suresh John, Dantis Davis, Giby Mathew, Justine James, Biju John, Antony Jones, Hima Jose and Elizabeth Shelly.
Photo by
AB Photography
Image 7 of 7
Great occasion: (From left) David Talbot, Biju John, John Mathew, Wendy Lovell, Sam Birrell, Sanish Sam, Ankur Bhatia, Kim O'Keeffe, Hima Jose and Antony Jones.
Photo by
AB Photography
Shepp Feathers president Biju John was largely pleased with the turnout and end result, paying credit to the high standard of badminton on show throughout the day.
“It was an opportunity to watch the most spectacular shots that Shepparton has ever seen, a true display of talent and skill,” he said.
“Also, the youngsters of Shepparton were presented with a remarkable opportunity to witness live national level matches at their home ground.”
Club secretary Antony Jones congratulated all the winners and participants and also the sponsors, Monteleone Homes, Kim O’Keeffe MP, HomFin Loans and Bayleaf – Jacob’s Food.
“Shepparton's local economy received a boost from the successful execution of Shepp Feathers Badminton Club’s first ever Champions Trophy, with numerous businesses benefiting from increased visibility and engagement,” he said.
Parliamentarians Sam Birrell, Wendy Lovell and Kim O’Keeffe (club ambassador) attended the presentation ceremony, distributing trophies to the winners.
15°C