Badminton in huge difficulty due to struggle in finding sponsors: BAI general secretary

In a breath of fresh air for budding bminton stars and fans, national-level tournaments could soon resume from September amidst coronavirus pandemic. All bminton action was brought to an abrupt halt due to coronavirus pandemic, but Bminton Association of India (BAI) is likely to follow Bminton World Federation's (BWF) suit and attempt to schedule tournaments on  national and potentially, at international level. While likes of Indian bminton stars Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth could return to action, sponsorship remains a major concern for BAI. 

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BAI mulling national bminton tournaments in September

In a chat with Times of India, general secretary Ajay Singhania revealed BAI's plans for restart of bminton in country if situation improves. Singhania said that BAI has been in constant dialogue with or state associations about a potential national level restart. BAI general secretary ded that while some state associations dded in approval, ors wanted to wait till situation improves.

Singhania furr said that BAI will review situation and begin bminton tournaments in September. He ded that Indian Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju h given permission to conduct tournaments from July or August if safety protocols are followed. Singhania ded that he was hoping for best with safety and finances both being one of major thorns in BAI's attempt to resume bminton. 

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BAI chief mits financial uncertainty amidst coronavirus pandemic 

BAI general secretary Ajay Singhania revealed his concerns regarding financing amidst ecomic crisis triggered by coronavirus lockdown. Bminton Association of Malaysia have alrey requested BWF for financial help to host Malayasia Open in vember. Singhania mitted that finding sponsors in current climate will be challenging and a few exiting ones have alrey informed BAI regarding same.

BAI general secretary said that he has been in contact with Sports Ministry and is hopeful that things will eventually fall into place. Singhania said that resumption of sport after months will see a surge in participants due to lack of funding amidst lockdown. He mits that it would be difficult to conduct tournaments as y have to follow several guidelines but is anxiously waiting for sporting activity to resume. 

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(Im Credit: BWF Media Twitter)