Date:14/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/14/stories/2009011451000200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Tiruchi

Call to hold regular matches

G. Prasad

Photo: R.M. Rajarathinam

WELL DONE: Olympian P. Subramanian being felicitated by R. Balagangadharan, Tiruchi District Ball Badminton Association president in Tiruchi . —

TIRUCHI: Players bubbled with enthusiasm for their match on the opening day of the all-India invitation senior ball badminton doubles tournament at Jamal Mohammed College courts here.

Contributing in no small measure to the excitement was Olympian P. Subramanian, who walked in pepping up the inaugural ceremony.

Mr. Subramanian, who represented India in 200m at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, was felicitated on the occasion by the Tiruchi District Ball Badminton Association (TDBBA) president R. Balagangadharan.

“Sports could be popularised only by conducting tournaments on a regular basis. Identifying talents in the rural parts is a key factor,” said Mr. Subramanian.

The former Olympian felt that the medal winning performances of shooter Abhinav Bindra, wrestler Sushil Kumar and boxer Vijender Singh at the Beijing Olympics last year were bound to inspire youngsters in the country to take up sports seriously.

Commenting on the senior ball badminton tourney, TDBBA general secretary S. Mathivanan said that the event was conducted in memory of veteran player Rajagopal Pillai and had attracted participation of good number of teams.

The three-day tournament, which concluded here on Sunday, was organised by the Elders Ball Badminton Club, Tiruchi.

The Venkatesan – Senthil Kumar duo won the title after overcoming stiff challenges from the opponents.