A rewarding trip: Vimal

BANGALORE, AUG. 6. The World Badminton Academy's clinic, which was held in Auckland, New Zealand from July 25 to August 4, proved to be fruitful one for the 20 coaches and 25 players from all over the World, who attended the programme.

Vimal Kumar, the former National champion and chief coach, of the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA) was on the IBF panel of instructors for the clinic for the third successive year. The coaches panel also included Gunter Huber of Germany, Mohan Subramaniam of Asian Badminton Confederation and Diana Koleva of Bulgaria.

Vimal told The Hindu: ``As in the past, it was a rewarding trip as it helped to keep in touch with changing modes in coaching around the World''.

Vimal said that the clinic at Auckland was focussed on specialised training in doubles. ``The new techniques of doubles play, change of grip and right positioning for a smash and multi feet movement were some of the new stuffs that were tried out''.

The WBA clinics are basically held in countries, where the game is developing and coaches and players of such nations are invited for the programme. Over the years, it had been attracting lot of entries and in fact, IBF had to cap the entries this year and Indian coach, Balachandran Nair's entry, which was originally on the list, was struck out.

But, Vimal said that Badminton Association of India, could have made some effort to ensure that the coach's name was included. ``BAI could have sent the coach on its own also because of the immense benefit such programme offers to the coaches and players. It is a worthwhile investment'', said Vimal Kumar.

The top junior Anup Sridhar attended the clinic and was richer in experience. Anup also played in the Auckland Open Championship, where he reached the quarterfinals. ``It is actually the players, in the 16 to 18 year age group, who benefit from such programmes. Already, players from Singapore and Hong Kong who participated in WBA clinics earlier, are regularly playing on the international circuit'', said Vimal Kumar.

The next edition of World Badminton Academy's clinic will be held in Peru. ``For the first time, WBA clinic would be hosted in South America. The new Development Programme Director of IBF, Mr. Fredrico, is from Peru and had expressed keen interest holding the clinic in his country'', said Vimal Kumar.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Sport
Previous : Beenamol in semifinals
Next     : English players arrive for Asian Satellite