Wide-ranging changes on the anvil

IN THE near future the game of badminton may undergo transformation as a result of several experiments that are under way. The suggestion for the changes have emerged from several factors, the main being to make the game more popular, to attract more viewers and for that, more sponsors. And in the process make the players more important too.

The plans for the changes in the rules were revealed during the chats with Mr. Datuk Punch Gunalan, Vice President of the International Badminton Federation, during his recent visits to India, for the Asian Satellite Tournament in Hyderabad and later for the Thomas and Uber Cup preliminaries in Delhi.

``Very simply, the sponsors would put their money only if they get adequate mileage'', said Mr. Gunalan. Badminton till recently, had no `gaps' during the game, to advertise any product. Now that 90 seconds break is given between the first and the second game, besides the customary five minutes rest after one all, there's chance to do so. ``We're planning to introduce special breaks like the time-outs in volleyball and basketball to crate more gaps'', he added.

Such breaks would also help the players to recoup and reduce their load. At present the players have to operate at intense pace for prolonged periods. The idea is to reduce the duration of the intense demand.''

If tennis is popular with a break after every two games of four points each, badminton could very well draw a lesson. And that's how a tennis match would stretch sometimes to even four hours. But at the present pace no one can stay on their legs in the badminton court after an hour or an hour and half.

``The heavy demand on the players, working at their peak for long durations, has made them injury prone. And almost every top player in the International Circuit has been a victim of this over load.'' He pointed out to Gopichand's injury and subsequent operations and consequent loss of almost two year's precious time before he could come back and regain his position.

``What are the other changes on the anvil?''

``Quite a few. The scoring system is one such important change under consideration.'' He elaborated the experiments being conducted in China and elsewhere. One suggestion is to play the game, for twenty minutes and then on have no service change. The second suggestion is to make the game of 21 points right through. He however hastened to add that the second alternative would be more demanding on the umpire who might find it mentally taxing.

On the scoring front, the rule of thirteen all is already done away with as it creates confusion with those not very conversant with the complications of 13-13 and then 14-14 and the game set of 15 or 17 or 18 depending on the progress of the game and the options exercised.

Dress options recently permitted are ad-savvy and would encourage sponsors to advertise their products in more colourful choices. The all-white combination hardly presented any scope.

``Sponsorship is very crucial to any sport. It is the very soul,'' he emphasised. With the sponsors comes the all important vitamin M, making the sport more commercial to attract more youngsters. The now hesitant parents would also relent and permit their wards to take to badminton seriously.

The proposals may herald a change from amateurism to professionalism that is so vital for any player to gain greater heights. Only a professional approach could sustain a player in the game.

In badminton, usually taken up as a hobby or pastime, the interest peters after the pressure of studies builds up. And unfortunately both these conflicting demands come up simultaneously. The parents usually opt for medical, engineering or computer courses where they see a secure future for their wards.

``And professionalism should not be restricted only to the players. It should include the coaches and the officials,'' he opined. ``After all, why should the officials do honorary work? Similarly, let the coaches make a real job of it. Once they feel secure they'd give their best to the game.''

``Equipment too is vital.'' Mr. Gunalan also feels that improvement in the equipment should be a continuous process. ``See, how the Tennis and Squash racquets are transformed. Similarly, a batsman is well protected today and a hockey goalkeeper looks like an astronaut.''

On the badminton front too better racquets should evolve and synthetic court become more suitable for footwork and speed and less prone to injuries.

On the question of making the game more popular, Mr. S. M. Arif, the Chief Coach of Indian Badminton team has definite views. He is of the opinion that 90 seconds counselling or rest period is welcome and added that if the game is TV-Savvy, it would become more popular. ``Today on the TV, the game looks a child's play as it does not capture the split-second reactions and amazing reflexes and adjustments of the players. All because the camera is kept fixed.''

The real game is in the leap, the jump and the kill and in a small court the movement of shuttle, sometimes beyond 250 kmph is not registered by the eye.

The camera does not follow the flight of the shuttle. ``The camera should catch the movement of the shuttle, fix on the player, show the sudden burst of speed, change of direction that he effects with a flick of the hand and his sideward action or forward and backward movement. That way it will enthral the spectator.'' He is sure that this `excitability factor' could add to the game's popularity.

``If it is because of excitability that encounters towards the end are more interesting and exciting; be it a scramble near the goal in hockey or football or a deuce and change of sides in tennis,'' elaborated Arif.

Space and speed, as far as popularity goes, matter in any sport. Usually games that are wide spread and have occasional bursts of speed are popular. Very high speeds and limited space are the bane of badminton and table tennis. ``Let's hope some innovative suggestions come to add pep and popularity to the game,'' wished Arif.

The experiments underway involve 144 countries. The top badminton playing nations like China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Denmark are quite serious about it. ``The suggestions would be put to test in some forthcoming tournaments before they are accepted and adopted. In about 6-8 months time wide ranging changes could be a reality,'' said Mr. Gunalan.

Asked to give his views on the badminton scene in India, Mr. Gunalan expressed hope and optimism.'' Things have moved in the right direction for the last two years and India is sure to do well. Gopichand and Aparna Popat have done well and the other youngsters are catching up fast,'' he said, with obvious reference to the change of guard in BAI.

``I'm sure Prakash will pursue with more foreign trips for players. Professionalism, at last is taking roots. Planning is good. I also see the contests are becoming more keen. That's encouraging. Money will come.''

Gunalan reiterated ``Don't forget the coaches and the officials. Let them be part of the programme to make the whole thing professional.''

J. R. JYOTI

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