The two senior ranking tournaments in Chennai and Hyderabad respectively will be followed by junior tournaments for U-15, U-17 and U-19 meets in Panchkula in January followed by the third senior ranking in Chhattisgarh in the month of March, 2022.
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With the domestic badminton season starting with two All India senior Ranking tournaments in December after almost 20 months gap due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Badminton Association of India has nominated all subsequent age category tournaments till March, 2022 as selection tournaments with an eye on building the next generation of stars. The two senior ranking tournaments in Chennai and Hyderabad respectively will be followed by junior tournaments for U-15, U-17 and U-19 meets in Panchkula in January followed by the third senior ranking in Chhattisgarh in the month of March, 2022.
The players participation in the upcoming senior and junior tournaments is mandatory and their performance will be considered ahead of the trials for the inclusion of shuttlers for the Senior and Junior National Coaching Camp; for participation in BWF International Tournaments and finalization of Tops Elite and Development Groups.
“Because of the pandemic domestic badminton could not take off for almost 20 months and gauging performance of players based on National and International ranking alone don’t seem to be the best fit in the current circumstances. Our objective is to conduct transparent tournaments and trials and ensure a proper evaluation of players’ performance and their fitness levels are reviewed every six month, so that, fresh and deserving talents also gets the opportunities to be part of the Camp as well as the TOPs list of players,” , Ajay Singhania, General Secretary said in a release on Monday.
BAI would also create a reserve list of elite and junior players who can be prepared subsequently with an eye on creating bench strength as well as replacement to the main list of shuttlers if needed.
Indian badminton great Prakash Padukone will receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award this year from the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The BWF Council shortlisted the Indian legend’s name based on the award commission’s recommendation. Badminton Association of India (BAI) had submitted his name for this award. The former World No. 1 and the first-ever Indian World Championships medallist, Padukone has contributed immensely to the game. In 2018, he was also honoured with the BAI’s Life Time Achievement Award.
For the Meritorious Service Award, BWF Council has nominated Devender Singh, President of Haryana Badminton Association, SA Shetty, Secretary General of Maharashtra Badminton Association, Dr OD Sharma, Vice President of BAI and Chairperson of Tournament Committee and former BAI Vice President Manik Saha. Alaknanda Ashok, who is the President of Uttarakhand Badminton Association, will receive the Women & Gender Equity Award. She has been associated with badminton administration for many years now.
“We are delighted to see BWF celebrating legendary Prakash Padukone’s contribution to the sport with this award. His contribution is massive in taking Indian badminton to where it is today. When it comes to developing the sport, a strong backbone of administrators, officials and corporate play key roles and it’s great to see they are also being recognised and praised for their support and contribution to the game. On behalf of BAI, I congratulate all the winners and hope with their continued support we will be able to take Indian badminton to greater heights,” BAI General Secretary Ajay Singhania said.
