Date:22/07/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/07/22/stories/2005072213872000.htm

Sport - Badminton

Hyderabad ready, says team

Sports Reporter

HYDERABAD: : A delegation from Hyderabad which included former All England champion Pullela Gopi Chand and L.V. Subrahmanyam, IAS, made a detailed presentation about the preparedness of Hyderabad to host the ABC championship for men and women at Swarnandhra Pradesh Sports Complex indoor stadium at Gachibowli next month.

It was mandatory for the host to make this presentation before getting the final nod for the event.

"We explained the various aspects regarding the conduct of the event and the support we are getting, especially from the Government," said Gopi.

He said 21 countries have confirmed their participation which include all the major badminton powers like Indonesia, Korea, China and Malaysia.

"The ABC is scheduled to have its executive committee meeting in Hyderabad, and it should be a good augury for the sport," said Gopi.

The annual general body meeting of ABC is also likely to be held here to decide on some important steps for promoting the sport in a big way.

"Departing from established procedures, the top brass of ABC has decided to provide subsidy on air travel up to Rs.20 to 25 lakhs which should be very handy," Gopi explained about the support that is likely to come from the ABC.

Yonex to support

Commenting on his academy at Gachibowli, Gopi said that Yonex, one of the main sponsors of the project has reiterated its complete support.

"Funds from their side, as promised in the beginning, should not be a problem. It will be a joint venture of the State Government and the Yonex group with the aim of producing more champion shuttlers," he explained.