Caption for photo: Om Lotlikar of Mumbai, winner of Open (above 18 years) table tennis singles crown in the first Ekta World Maharashtra Para Sports, an initiative of Happy Foundation, sponsored by Ekta World and played at the Khar Gymkhana.Mumbai, January 28: Om Lotlikar of Mumbai claimed the top honours winning the Open (above 18 years) Table Tennis singles crown in the first Ekta World Maharashtra Para Sports, an initiative of Happy Foundation, sponsored by Ekta World and played at the Khar Gymkhana.
In the final, the Mumbai paddler Om Lotlikar was in complete control and easily defeated Sanjay Ayachit of Latur in straight games, winning at 11-3, 11-4, 11-2 to emerge champion.
Earlier in the semi-finals, Lotlikar eased past Suryakant P. Of Mumbai by a 11-6, 11-3, 11-4 scoreline, while Ayachit staved off the challenge from Mumbai’s Karan M. By pulling off a 11-7, 12-10, 11-7 victory.
In the Under-15 final, Sayyed Zuber of Mumbai recovered from the loss of the first game to overcome Ashish Rangwala also from Mumbai 7-11, 11-3, 11-1, 11-1.
Mumbai’s Ayush Somkumar won the Under-18 singles title after defeating citymate Nikhil Thombare 11-3, 10-12, 11-7, 11-3 in a well-contested final.
The inaugural edition of the Maharashtra Para Sports saw over 800 para athletes from all across Maharashtra participating in various sports disciplines. Events are being conducted for Boys and Girls in the Under-12, Under-15, Under-18 and Over-18 age categories in 8 individual and 2 team sports. The para athletes are participating in the following sports disciplines – Badminton, Chess, Carrom, Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis, Swimming and Karate (all individual events) and Box Cricket and Rink Football (team events).
The Maharashtra Para Sports was conducted with the support of the Government of Maharashtra and the Sports Authority of India.
Results: Table Tennis – Open Final: Om Lotlikar (Mum) bt Sanjay Ayachit (Ltr) 11-3, 11-4, 11-2; Semi-final: Om Lotlikar (Mum) bt Suryakant (Mum) 11-6, 11-3, 11-4; Sanjay Ayachit (Ltr) bt Karan M. (Mum) 11-7, 12-10, 11-7.
Under-15 - Final: Sayyed Zuber (Mum) bt Ashish Rangwala (Mum) 7-11, 11-3, 11-1, 11-1; Semi-finals: Sayyed Zuber (Mum) bt Abhishek Karad (Ltr) 12-10, 11-8, 11-5; Ashish Rangwala (mum) bt Rizwan Rashid (Mum) 13-11, 11-7.
U-18 - Final: Ayush Somkumar (Mum) bt Nikhil Thombare Mum) 11-3, 10-12, 11-7, 11-3.