Haynes, Ramdhani stamp authority at GUMDAC Badminton tournament
Reigning champions Akili Haynes and Priyanna Ramdhani extended their dominance in the annual GUMDAC Badminton tournament, successfully defending their mixed doubles title while also excelling in other categories.
The duo also captured top honours in the men’s doubles and women’s doubles events, partnering with Tyrese Jeffrey and Mishka Beharry, respectively.
The duo’s outstanding performances across multiple categories underscored their dominance, versatility, and exceptional skill in the sport.
In one of the tournament’s most thrilling matches, Haynes and Jeffrey faced a formidable challenge from rising star Nkosi Beaton and his partner Wen Yuan Chen in the men’s doubles final. The high-energy encounter highlighted the depth of talent and competitive spirit within the local badminton scene.
GUMDAC’s Darrell Carpenay is flanked by the tournament’s winners following the presentation ceremony
The mixed doubles final also brought excitement, with Haynes and Ramdhani taking on the emerging pair of Beaton and Beharry. The match-up showcased a dynamic mix of experience and upcoming talent, adding further drama and intrigue to the tournament.
Tournament formats included a Round of 32 draw for the men’s doubles, a Round of 16 for the mixed doubles, and a round-robin format for the women’s doubles.
The 2025 GUMDAC Badminton Tournament proved to be a celebration of athletic excellence and growing talent, reinforcing the sport’s rising profile in Guyana.
Day 2 Results: Winners in bold
XD QF – Akili Haynes/Priyanna Ramdhani v Frank Waddell/Anjaneysa Godette: 21-13, 21-7
MD SF – Akili Haynes/Tyrese Jeffrey v Chet Bowling/Dan Tan: 21-12, 21-17
XD SF – Nkosi Beaton/Mishka Beharry v Wen Yuan Chen/Asiyah Eastman: 24-22, 23-21
MD SF – Nkosi Beaton/Wen Yuan Chen v Frank Waddell/Jonathan Debidin: 21-18, 21-15
XD SF – Akili Haynes/Priyanna Ramdhani v Gavin Cao/Zhou Fenglian: 21-5, 21-12
XD Finals – Akili Haynes/Priyanna Ramdhani v Nkosi Beaton/Mishka Beharry: 21-11, 21-18
WD Final – Priyanna Ramdhani/Mishka Beharry v Shivannie Persaud/Anna Perreira: 21-7, 21-8
MD Final – Akili Haynes/Tyrese Jeffrey v Nkosi Beaton/Wen Yuan Chen: 21-13, 22-20
Mixed Doubles
3rd place – Wen Yuan Chen and Asiyah Eastman
3rd place – Gavin Cao and Zhou Fenglian
2nd place – Nkosi Beaton and Mishka Beharry
1st place – Akili Haynes and Priyanna Ramdhani
Women’s Doubles
3rd place – Asiyah Eastman and Leshaunte Berkley
3rd place – Gabrielle Felix and Harshini Muralidharan
2nd place – Shivannie Persaud and Anna Perreira
1st place – Priyanna Ramdhani and Mishka Beharry
Men’s Doubles
3rd place – Frank Waddell and Jonathan Debidin
3rd place – Chet Bowling and Dan Tan
2nd place – Nkosi Beaton and Wen Yuan Chen
1st place – Akili Haynes and Tyrese Jeffrey
Sponsor Darrell Carpenay takes a photo opportunity with the mixed doubles winners
The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) expressed gratitude to Darrell Carpenay, for his continued sponsorship of the tournament. According to the Association, sponsorship plays a crucial role in the success and sustainability of sporting events, and Carpenay’s support was invaluable. Additionally, it acknowledged the players, parents, spectators, and fans whose involvement and support were vital in making this event a success.
“Moreover, we would like to acknowledge the Director of Sports and the staff of the National Sports Commission for availing the usage of the facility, the National Gymnasium,” the GBA said.
Upcoming for the GBA is its National Junior Championship from July 5-6, 2025 and the Panam Individual Championship and Camp in Guatemala also in July.
