The Delhi State Selection trials, part of the Road to IPA Nationals 2025, began on Saturday at Vasant Vihar Club, New Delhi. Organised under the aegis of the Delhi State Association, the two-day trials will showcase emerging talents across multiple age groups and categories.
A total of eight players were selected on the opening day of the trials to represent Delhi at the IPA Nationals, scheduled in Bengaluru from November 13 to 16. Udayraj Nijhawan and Aariv Khanna earned selection in two categories.
Udayraj Nijhawan emerged victorious in the Boys Under 14 category, beating Pushan Bhagat 11-6 in the final., Pushan Bhagat defeated Rishabh Chirimunjh 11-7 in the first semifinal, while Udayraj Nijhawan overcame Aarsh Malik 11-0 in the second.
The Boys U14 Doubles final saw Rishabh Chirimunjh and Uday Nijhawan claim the title, defeating Kunsh Nangia and Aarsh Malik 11-6.
In the Boys U16 Singles final, Aariv Khanna defeated Devansh Mohanty 15-8 to earn the selection. Aariv beat Tanish Binda 11-5 in the first semifinal, while Devansh Mohanty edged past Aarsh Malik 13-12 in the second.
The Boys U16 Doubles title went to Devansh Mohanty and Aariv, who beat Raunak Pahwa and Tanish Bindal 11-3.
In the Boys U18 Singles final, Yashwant Yadav defeated Tanish Bindal 15-6. Yashwant had beaten Shaurya Goyal 11-1 in the first semifinal, while Bindal overcame Gaurav Sood 11-7 in the second.
Khushan Mahajan and Aarav Goyal won the Boys U18 Doubles Final. They beat Parth Vir Singh and Yuvaditya Jain 15-4. In the women’s 30+ singles final, Vaniya Dangwal won the title. She defeated Rajshree 11-5 in the first semifinal, while Rhea Agarwal beat Mansha Malhotra 11-5 in the second. Dangwal dominated the final, defeating Rhea Agarwal 15-1 to claim the title.
Full List of Selected Players on Day 1 of Selection Trials:
Boys U14 Singles: Udayraj Nijhawan
Boys U14 Doubles: Uday Nijhawan-Rishabh Chirimunjh
Boys U16 Singles: Aariv Khanna
Boys U16 Doubles: Devansh Mohanty-Aariv Raj Khanna
Boys U18 Singles: Yashwant Yadav
Boys U18 Doubles: Khushan Mahajan-Aarav Goyal
Women’s 30+ Singles: Vaniya Dangwal