Date:02/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/02/stories/2008070251801800.htm

Sport - Badminton

‘The training centre is world class’

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: The Tata Padukone Badminton Academy, established by the legendary Prakash Padukone, now has an international flavour. A steady stream of overseas players have been trooping into Bangalore to get the much-needed ‘Asian’ exposure.

TPBA has had its share of foreign players in the past too, but what has been happening this season is noteworthy.

Affable champion

The Czech Republic’s No. 1, Petr Koukal, has begun his training. The affable 22-year-old Czech champion, who is ranked World No. 36, told The Hindu, “it was during my chat with Anup Sridhar, with whom I have been playing on the European circuit, that I learnt about TPBA. I thought it was a good idea to train here prior to the Olympics and get acclimatised to the Asian conditions.

“Moreover, the training centre is world class. With people like Prakash Padukone and Vimal Kumar watching you, you can’t ask for anything better. Another reason for training in Bangalore is the availability of good sparring partners,” Koukal added.

The England Badminton Association has sent a nine-member team along with coach Colin Haughton.

“The Indians are a lot more talented and training here opens new vistas for us. We have not trained in Asia and that will be an additional experience. So far, the conditions here have been ideal,” said Haughton.

Sri Lanka’s Olympic hope, Thilani Jaysinghe, has also been training at the academy. Though Thilani is no stranger to the academy as she was here two years ago, she is glad to be here ahead of the Olympics.

The British No. 1 Rajeev Ouseph is also expected to join the trainees and a few more players are likely to follow suit.

Running the show

With Padukone away in the United States on a private visit, Vimal is running the show along with Tom John, who is Anup’s touring coach.

“It is good to have foreign players. While they get a feel of the Asian conditions, the Indian trainees have quality practice sessions and get the opportunity to play against players of varied styles. It is beneficial both ways,” said Vimal.