Badminton league a shot in the arm

In a move set to transform the sport in the country, the Badminton Association of India has given the go-ahead for the ambitious Indian Badminton League.

The Maharashtra Badminton Association had proposed the idea and the BAI stamped its approval in an executive meeting held in Lucknow.

The phenomenal success of the MBA model has propmpted the Maharashtra authorities to mull bidding for the national league. The inaugural MBA was held in May in Pune..

"Everyone knows MBL was a hit. It gave new dimension as far as badminton in state is concerned. Now, we want to do it for the entire country. We have the confidence that we can host it on large scale. The game and its players deserve a top-class league," MBA president Pradeep Gandhe told TOI on Friday.

The former India player hinted the inaugural edition will be held early next year in January-February. "The dates and venues have not been finalized yet. In a month, we will be able to give more information about it. It's a huge task but we are optimistic," Gandhe added.

The league is likely to be held in Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Bangalore. It wcould also seek the help of Pune District Badminton Association as they have the experience of hosting the MBL.

World No. 6 Saina Nehwal could not be more ecstatic at the latest development.

"It is a very good step. The national league will be a huge boost for all the players. The money, which they will earn by playing in the league, can be utilized for participation in international tournaments. They will also gain vital experience which will improve their confidence to face tougher challenges," she said on Friday.

For years, Indian shuttlers have had difficulty in making a living out of this profession. The players are not even paid when they win a national-level tournament.
According to sources, top-ranked national players will get a minimum of Rs one lakh. Players like Saina and India No 1 in men's section, P Kashyap, might get around Rs 7-8 lakh.

Saina added that she would be very happy to play in the league.

"But it depends on my international schedule. If my programme is not clashing with league, I will love to play with the national players. I haven't played in the domestic tournaments in the last three years so it gives me a wonderful opportunity to know different players from across the country," she said.

National champion Aditi Mutatkar has also welcomed the league but said that it should not spell the end for the MBL.

"There is no doubt it will be a major step. As we have seen, the MBL has done wonders to the game with Maharashtra unearthing several new talents. I am sure the national league will throw exciting players too. Both MBL and national league should co-exist," said Mutatkar.

"It is the best thing to happen for us. The game has been changing rapidly in India. First, it was MBL and now the National League. I would love to be part of the league as it gives me another platform to showcase my talent," said Arundhati Pantawane, India No. 2.

The National Games champion played in the MBL in May at Pune and helped her team, Inspiring Eagles, finish second.

"The experience of playing in the MBL and Swedish League will definitely help me. One has to be involved fully in every aspect and encourage each other as it is a team event. The more you gel with your teammates better the result," said Pantawane, who spent seven months in Stockholm as a professional player for Taby Club.