Golf
Noronha, Col Mishra emerge champs at 9th Aparna Cancer Crusaders Golf Championship
Raymond Stephen Noronha carded an impressive 38 points to emerge as the overall net winner at the 9th Biennial Aparna Cancer Crusaders Gold Championship at the Boulder Hills Golf and Country Club in Gachibowli, Hyderabad.
The championship delivered high-quality golfing action across categories, with Ray Noronha claiming top honours. B Gajendar Swamy followed closely as Overall Net Runner-Up with 37 points. In the gross category, Col Akhil Mishra showcased remarkable consistency to claim the Overall Gross title with a score of 73, with Abhishek Mitra finishing runner-up at 75.
In Category A (0–14 handicap), a tightly contested battle saw Aditya Bommaraju clinch the net winner’s spot with 35 points, edging ahead on countback, while Bhushan Byragani finished runner-up with an identical score.
Abhishek Mitra receiving the Overall Gross Runner up Cup from Dr Vijay Anand Reddy
Category B (15–19 handicap) witnessed Srinivas Subba Rao take top honours with 36 points, followed closely by Harish Yelisetty, also on 36 points.
In Category C (20–24 handicap), Dheeraj Jaiswal emerged winner with 35 points, with Manjit Jalli finishing runner-up just a point behind on the back nine.
Category D (25–30 handicap) saw Narender Reddy Mupidi secure victory with 32 points, while Rajiv Kabra followed with 31 points.
Rakhi Sinha receives the Ladies winner trophy from Dr Vijay Anand Reddy
Among special categories, Rakhi Sinha claimed the Ladies title with 35 points, while Uday Bhaskar Raju topped the Seniors category, also with 35 points, ahead of Mohit Bhalla, who finished runner-up on 33 points. Consistent performances marked each day of play, with Santosh Kumar K, Mohan Singh, and Ashish Goenka emerging as Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3 Net Winners with 34, 34, and 35 points, respectively.
The tournament was successfully conducted by CURE Foundation, founded by Dr Vijay Anand Reddy, Padma Shri Awardee and director, Apollo Cancer Centres. The tournament was the flagship fundraiser and cancer awareness initiative of the Foundation.
One of the largest charity golf events in the region, the championship saw over 450 golfers compete across four sessions over three days. Played in the Stableford format with 100% handicap, the tournament ensured spirited yet inclusive competition, drawing golfers of all skill levels united by a common cause.
Aruna Thummala, women’s longest drive prize winner, receives the trophy from Dr Vijay Anand Reddy
Later in the evening, a World Cancer Day celebration titled ‘Light the Night’, marking the 23rd anniversary of Cure Foundation, was held at the same venue.
The evening was a powerful tribute to courage, compassion, and collective commitment in the fight against cancer. A highlight of the event was a special ramp walk “for a cause” featuring Soulmates, inspiring couples and distinguished personalities, including C V Anand & Lalitha Anand; Gopichand & Laxmi; Dr Guruva Reddy & Dr Bhavani; Jayesh Ranjan & Ruchi Ranjan; Rajeev Reddy & Manjula; Suresh Reddy & Padmaja; Dr Vijay Anand Reddy & Dr Shashi; Vikas Raj & Shailaja; Ajita Reddy & Yogesh Puri; and Dr Sameer Mahendra & Rammi Azad, who walked the ramp in solidarity with cancer survivors. It was an evening to remember.
Inspiring couple & Soulmates C V Anand & Lalitha Anand walking on the ramp for a cause at the World Cancer Day Celebration at Boulder Hills Golf & Country Club, Gachibowli
Results: Overall Net Winner: Ray Noronha – 38 points. Overall Net Runner-Up: B Gajendar Swamy – 37. Overall Gross Winner: Col Akhil Mishra – 73. Overall Gross Runner-Up: Abhishek Mitra – 75.
Category A (0–14 Handicap): Winner: Aditya Bommaraju – 35 (Back 9: 17, Back 6: 12). Runner-Up: Bhushan Byragani – 35 (Back 9: 17, Back 6: 11).
Category B (15–19 Handicap): Winner: Srinivas Subba Rao – 36 (Back 9: 20). Runner-Up: Harish Yelisetty – 36 (Back 9: 19).
Category C (20–24 Handicap): Winner: Dheeraj Jaiswal – 35 (Back 9: 18). Runner-Up: Manjit Jalli – 35 (Back 9: 17).
Category D (25–30 Handicap): Winner: Narender Reddy Mupidi – 32. Runner-Up: Rajiv Kabra – 31.
Ladies Winner: Rakhi Sinha – 35. Senior Winner: Uday Bhaskar Raju – 35. Senior Runner-Up: Mohit Bhalla – 33.
Daily Net Winners: Day 1: Santosh Kumar K – 34. Day 2: Mohan Singh – 34. Day 3: Ashish Goenka – 35.