India league likely to be postponed
Organisers face problem of top badminton players’ busy calendar.
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) will make a decision mid-May, with the league likely delayed until the off-season in January and February. PHOTO:FILE
NEW DEHLI:
Indian Badminton League organisers said Thursday they were undecided about holding the second edition this year, amid reports it could be delayed due to a busy international calendar.
The million-dollar franchise-based league, which was hailed a success in its inaugural season last year, is due to return from September 30 until October 15. But with the world championships scheduled for August in Denmark and the Asian Games in South Korea from September 19 until October 4, the availability of top players is posing a problem for organisers. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) will make a decision mid-May, with the league likely delayed until the off-season in January and February.
“We are still not sure when to hold the tournament,” said BAI President Akhilesh Das Gupta. “We are working on it. It’s a very busy schedule this year.” AFP
Published in The Express Tribune, April 25th, 2014.
Indian Badminton League organisers said Thursday they were undecided about holding the second edition this year, amid reports it could be delayed due to a busy international calendar.
The million-dollar franchise-based league, which was hailed a success in its inaugural season last year, is due to return from September 30 until October 15. But with the world championships scheduled for August in Denmark and the Asian Games in South Korea from September 19 until October 4, the availability of top players is posing a problem for organisers. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) will make a decision mid-May, with the league likely delayed until the off-season in January and February.
“We are still not sure when to hold the tournament,” said BAI President Akhilesh Das Gupta. “We are working on it. It’s a very busy schedule this year.” AFP
Published in The Express Tribune, April 25th, 2014.