Date:04/03/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/03/04/stories/2005030404571800.htm

Sport - Badminton

Vimal Kumar's room burgled

KOLKATA, MARCH 3. The Indian badminton contingent, playing in the German Open, was poorer by 1,600 Euros and Ł4,700 when burglars broke into coach U. Vimal Kumar's room last night and decamped with the loot.

Vimal Kumar said in an e-mail that the entire amount was players' allowances for the All-England championship.

He has reported the matter to the Badminton Association of India president, V.K. Verma, and the Indian Embassy there.

Vimal Kumar said his bag in which he had kept the money and passports was ripped open and the money was stolen. Similar fate befell teams from England and Singapore.

The BAI president was in touch with the Indian embassy to help the Indian players get over the crisis. The local police is investigating the matter. — Our Special Correspondent