About or History of the Kolhapur District Badminton Association.
The Kolhapur District Badminton Association (KDBA) traces its roots back to the early 1970s, when a group of passionate players recognized the need for an organized platform to promote the sport in a region. The visionary initiative was spearheaded by five individials who shared a deep love for Badminton & commitment to its development. Shri Babasaheb Nadgonde, Shri Baba Bhonsale, Shri Himmat Sinh Ghatge, Shri VikramSinh Ghatge & Shri Appasaheb Sowani.
The journey of KDBA began with humble beginnings, devoid of trophies & substantial infrastructure. However, fueled by their passion & determination, these individuals embarked on a mission to establish a vibrant Badminton community of Kolhapur.
One of the pivotal moments of the early days of KDBA was the organization of the state tournament in Kolhapur. Despite facing challenges such as lack of venue, the indomitable spirit of founders prevailed. Shri HimmatSinh Ghatge’s meticulous attention to detail, particularly in overseeing the installation of specialized flooring at Alankar Hall, underscored the commitment to creating optimal playing conditions for the athletes. This flooring, meticulously desgined to provide the springing motion, exemplified the dedication to excellence that defined KDBA’s ethos.
Shri Baba Bhonsale, leveraging his experience as an office bearer in the Table Tennis Association of Kolhapur, played a crucial role in navigating the legal intricacies of forming the association. His expertise complemented the collective knowledge and passion of the founding members, facilitating the establishment of KDBA.
As the district matches gained momentum, the need for trophies became apparent. Babasaheb Nadgonde emerged as the driving force behind procuring the inaugural trophies for the district chanpionships. With contributions from various stakeholders, incuding Ruparel Rui, Ranisaheb of Kagal & the Nadgonde family, the first four trophies, including Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Junior Boys Singles & Women’s Singles were introcuded, laying the foundation for competitive excellence within the District.
The dedication of the founders extended beyond organizing tournaments to enhancing infrastructure for the Sport. The transformation of Kapil-Tirth Hall, once a bustiling market into a premier Badminton venus standas a testimony to their vision & perseverance. Through collaborative efforts with the Municipal corporation, the Hall was refurbished with wooden flooring, providing a conducive environment for the players & spectators alike.
In addition to the physical infrastructure, the support of local businesses & individuals, such as the Kate Brothers, played a vital role in nurturing the groeth of Badminton in Kolhapur. Their contributions, alongside the unwavering commitment to the founding members, laid the groundwork for KDBA’s illustrious journey spanning five decades.