IBF reprimands BAI

The letter says, 8220;The IBF, rightly and properly, has no comment to make on these assertions made by IBC and IBPWA. However, the IBC and IBPWA are sufficiently serious for us to require the views of our member association, i.e, BAI. Our interest, as in all parts of the world, is in developing the game and providing the maximum opportunities for players; it is for this reason that we are so concerned by the complaints raised by the IBPWA.8221;

8220;May I stress that we need to deal with this matter swiftly and constructively. I8217;m sure that the last thing BAI wishes, is to see the Indian players disadvantaged by being caught in the middle of an internal power struggle,8221; the letter further says.

FORMATION OF IBPWA PRAISED: In a separate fax sent to Vimal Kumar, general secretary IBPWA, the IBF Executive Director welcomed the formation of IBPWA and termed it a positive move. 8220;Whoever governs the sport in India, the voice of players, properly and sensibly deployed, is invaluable in any sports.8221;

The letter says, 8220;Whatever the outcome, you should not expect swift progress in this issue. There can only be one member association BAI in a country, and the question of membership is a matter for a general meeting of IBF. You can be assured that our approach will at all times be concerned with what is happening to the badminton players of India.8221;

Meanwhile, according to some reliable sources, Asian Badminton Confederation ABC Secretary Punch Gunalan had called the IBC today and expressed his desire to visit Bangalore and talk to IBC members first before reaching Delhi for the Air-India Open.