The Hindu : Sport / Badminton : BAI-players stand-off ends

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Thursday, May 31, 2007
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BAI-players stand-off ends

Rakesh Rao

NEW DELHI: The stand-off between the Badminton Association of India (BAI) and the trio of Chetan Anand, G. Jwala and Shruti Kurien seems to be over.

The BAI has included the three players in the list of entries sent for the Thailand Open in Bangkok from July 3 to 8 and the Philippine Open in Manila from July 17 to 22.

Undertaking

On their part, the players have given an undertaking that they would be attending the coaching camp at Hyderabad from June 18 to July 1.

"The BAI and the players have resolved the issue," confirmed Mr. S.K. Arora, Secretary, Union Sports Ministry, but chose not to comment on his role in brokering peace.

Credit to Arora

Chetan and wife Jwala were quick to give all credit to the Sports Secretary.

"We trusted Mr. Arora and his judgement. He listened to us and understood the problem. He is one of the reasons why we agreed to attend the camp," said Chetan.

"I hope this is a permanent solution and the entries of those wanting to play in Open events should now on be forwarded by the BAI," said Jwala, praying for the best.

The BAI President, Mr. V.K. Verma said, "Every player in the country has understood and accepted the importance of attending National camps.

"Now the Indian team will be seen together in these tournaments and there will be no splinter group. There are no rebel players now."

Goverdhan to coach

According to Chetan, the BAI President has also accepted his request to avail the services of coach Goverdhan Reddy in the camp.

The young coach, who will also be coaching the doubles duo of Jwala and Shruti, will accompany the trio to Bangkok and Manila. Chetan also confirmed that the trio would play the China Super Series in Chengdu City from July 10 to 15.

It is learnt that the BAI has entered more than 20 players for the Thailand Open and the Philippine Open. The pruned list of 11 men and 5 women will be ratified by the Selection Committee on June 6. A few more additions cannot be ruled out.

As things said, both sides have reasons to be pleased. If the players have succeeded in having their entries sent to all Open events from now on, the BAI has made the players attend the camp.

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