Top Players Shine as Ramdhani Memorial Tournament Enters Crucial Stages

The 2025 Gokarn Ramdhani Memorial Badminton Tournament opened on Thursday with an energetic first day of competition at the National Gymnasium, bringing together athletes from across Guyana to honour the late Gokarn Ramdhani—one of the nation’s most pivotal figures in badminton development.

“Day 1 Action: The 2025 Gokarn Ramdhani Memorial Badminton Tournament smashed off to an exciting start today at the National Gymnasium, bringing together a strong field of junior and senior athletes honouring the legacy of the late Gokarn Ramdhani, a pioneer of badminton development in Guyana,” the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) reported.

Day 1 showcased opening-round battles in the Men’s and Women’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, and the U-23 Singles categories, treating spectators to intense rallies and confident shot-making. The atmosphere was electric as players fought for advancement, demonstrating the growing competitive depth of Guyana’s badminton landscape.
GBA Vice-President Ayanna Watson formally opened the tournament, thanking participants and highlighting Ramdhani’s profound impact on the sport’s development. The Association also expressed appreciation to sponsors Sol Guyana and Massy Distribution—Blue Waters and Ocean Spray—for helping to make the three-day event possible.

While Day 1 set the tone, Day 2 heightened the stakes, producing some of the tournament’s most commanding performances yet.

“National standouts Akili Haynes, Nkosi Beaton and Frank Waddell delivered commanding performances yesterday as Day 2 of the Gokarn Ramdhani Memorial Badminton Tournament produced high-quality clashes across divisions at the National Gymnasium,” the tournament update stated.

Haynes Dominates in Doubles Competition
Akili Haynes continued his strong run, advancing in both the Men’s and Mixed Doubles. Teaming with Tyrese Jeffrey, Haynes secured a decisive 21-13, 21-14 semifinal win over Veerendra Bhagwandin and Jason Stephney. In the Mixed Doubles, he partnered with Asiyah Eastman to dismiss Ruel Rambiriche and Gabrielle Felix 21-15, 21-15.

Beaton Secures Two Final Berths
Nkosi Beaton also delivered a standout performance, pairing with Daniel Tan to storm into the Men’s Doubles final with a 21-10, 21-9 victory against Waddell and Rambiriche. Earlier in the evening, he and partner Mishka Beharry booked their place in the Mixed Doubles final, overcoming Grandison Robinson and Amande Low 21-17, 21-13.

Waddell Shines in U-23 Singles
Frank Waddell dominated the Under-23 Men’s Singles bracket, sweeping Eon Williams 21-4, 21-2 before overpowering Nathan Henry 21-4, 21-4. His doubles campaign with Rambiriche was equally competitive until they were stopped by Tan and Beaton in the semifinals.

Tight Singles Battles and Women’s Doubles Excellence
The singles draw produced nail-biting moments, including Yonneil Benjamin’s dramatic three-game comeback over Raah Russell, winning 12-21, 21-18, 23-21.
In the Women’s Doubles, national standout Mishka Beharry and Leshaunte Berkley secured their place in the finals with a 21-19, 21-16 victory over Alimah and Asiyah Eastman. They now await Amande Low and Anna Perreira for what promises to be a competitive showdown.

With two days completed and the competition intensifying, the tournament continues this evening from 5 p.m., leading into Saturday’s final clashes as players vie to lift titles in honour of Gokarn Ramdhani’s enduring legacy.