Published: April 16, 2026 at 12:25 pm
Vayuputra Tigers scored a thumping 6-2 win over Elegans Eagles in the final of the FNCC-Pullela Gopichand Badminton League 2026 at the Film Nagar Cultural Center (FNCC) in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
Aaradhya of Vayuputra Tigers won the junior women’s singles tie as she came from a game behind to pip Kanvika of Elegans Eagles in a thrilling three-game affair. Aaradhya was slow off the blocks as Kanvika raced away to a 15-3 win. A stunned Aaradhya made a remarkable comeback as she clawed her way into the contest. In a fiercely fought second game, Aardhya prevailed 15-13 to take the match into the decider. In the decider, Aaradhya was on top of her game as he vanquished Kanvika 15-11.
Vayuputra Tigers’ Linesh took the junior men’s title as he defeated Chinmay of Elegans Eagles comfortably. Lines won 15-12, 15-13.
In the two women’s singles ties, the teams split one each. Shreyanshi had an easy outing against K Navya as she won 15-12, 15-5. In the second tie, K Sershra Reddy overcame a fighting Disha Santosh as both players put in a super display of badminton. Sershra took the first game 15-14 but then Disha fought back. She took the second one at 15-12 to stretch the match. In the final game, Sershra prevailed 15-14.
In the men’s singles, the teams again split a match each. Shourya of Vayuputra Tigers had an easy outing against S Pranit of Elegans Eagles 15-12, 15-12. However, Tharun Manepalli went down fighting to Tazuwal of Elegans Eagles. Tazuwala won the first game 15-11 but then suffered a setback in the second one. He lost it 6-15 but pulled up his socks in time to take the decider. He won 15-12.
Vayuputra Tigers won both the doubles contests. In the men’s doubles, Ruban and Mithelesh defeated Krishna and Sai Raman 15-14, 15-7, while Yogansh and Ajana got the better of Hari and Varna 15-14, 15-13.
Porus Panther defeated FNCC Lions 6-3 to claim the third place.
“Congratulations to all the winners. This is the first time I’ve watched badminton live, and it’s amazing to see young children playing so well. I hope FNCC conducts boxing tournaments in the future as well, as there are many talented boxers in Telangana,” said Indian boxer Nikhat Zareen, who was the chief guest for the closing ceremony.
“FNCC has always supported our association. When Chamundeswarinath called to suggest a national-level league, we prepared teams within two days. We shouldn’t just celebrate when someone like Messi plays, we should celebrate and encourage our own children playing here. I thank FNCC for giving me the chance to watch these domestic matches. It is wonderful to have Nikhat Zareen here. I remember being encouraged when I played in Vuyyuru at age 13, every player needs that kind of support,” said Pullela Gopichand.
“K S Rama Rao provided the teams at a very low cost this time. Next year, the entry fee per team will be ₹25 lakh. Along with Gopichand’s support, we will personally select the teams for the next season,” V Chamunderswarnath said.
Results (final): Vayuputra Tigers beat Elegans Eagles 6-2
Junior women’s singles: Aaradhya beat Kanvika 3-15, 15-13, 15-11.
Women’s singles: K Navya lost to Shreyanshi 12-15, 5-15; K Sershra Reddy beat Disha Santosh 15-14, 12-15, 15-14.
Junior men’s singles: Linesh beat Chinmay 15-12, 15-13.
Men’s singles: Shourya beat S Pranit 15-12, 15-12; Tharun Manepalli lost to Tazuwala 11-15, 15-6, 12-15.
Mixed doubles: Yogansh / Anjana beat Hari / Varna 15-14, 15-13.
Men’s doubles: Ruban / Mithelesh beat Krishna / Sai Raman 15-14, 15-7.
Third place match: Porus Panther beat FNCC Lions 6-3.
Final places: Winners: Vayuputra Tigers
Runners-up: Elegance Eagles
Third place: Porus Panthers
Fourth place: FNCC Lions
