Padukone to head breakaway Indian Badminton Confederation

It may be recalled that earlier this month, the Karnataka Badminton Association had disaffiliated itself from the BAI.

Padukone told mediapersons here on Wednesday that the game had been languishing in a sorry state for decades. “All of us who are close to this wonderful sport, have tried our level best to inject dynamism in Indian badminton. Unfortunately, our efforts have been continuously thwarted by the powers that be. As a result, everybody associated with Indian badminton, be they state associations, players or officials have suffered enormously. To put an end to this, the IBC has been formed and will strongly take up the cause of Indian badminton.

Padukone said that there had been pressure from the players since the last 10 years to do something drastic to help take away the game from the clutches of autocratic officials who were more interested in themselves than in the promotion of the game. “I waited for this long in the hope that things would improve but in the end, we could not afford to wait any longer. We have been informally told by at least 15 associations of their support for our move but it would be premature to name them because they have to go back to their general body to get their endorsement. Our move to form the badminton confederation has the support of all the players in the country as well,” Padukone said.

Outlining the objectives, Padukone said that their aim was to give a totally new direction to the game in the country. “In the process, we will be providing better facilities and opportunities to every one connected with the game. I am sure you will agree with me that a new direction must be given to the game with a completely professional approach. I have taken up this challenging task with the best interest of Indian badminton at my heart. I’m sure with the support of all the well-wishers, including that of the players, we will be able to take Indian badminton to greater heights,” Padukone said optimistically.

There has been discontent with the BAI, especially with the way it has been run by its President Fazil Ahmed and the manner in which he has used the association as little more his own private enterprise. “I waited this long because after we take a decisive stand, we cannot go back. Only after being convinced of the need for this drastic action and the fact that I can devote my time fully for the development of the new confederation, that I agreed for this step.” said Padukone.

“We do not want an all-India body with associations that exist for the sake of the vote. What we want is an association willing to go full hog in the promotion of the game. Our programme for the year 1997-96 is to conduct senior, junior, mini and veterans nationals, hold four to five ranking tournaments, conduct more prize money tournaments in different states, have separate circuits for juniors, conduct inter-State team championships, have more schemes to send players and officials abroad frequently and to conduct coaching camps in various states through the State associations.”

Padukone said that he would have been happy with his coaching assignment than to get into association politics, but he was forced to enter the fray. I will devote myself completely to achieve the target we have in mind, he added.

Following persistent questioning, Padukone said: “everything will fall in place in the next three months. As regards the BAI, this is not the forum to list charges and we will be convening a separate press conference at a later date where we will explain everything.”

However, it was fairly obvious that the main grouse was against BAI’s president Fazil Ahmed whose style of functioning was described as “undemocratic”.

“Until now, none dared to question BAI’s actions or the lack of it. We have waited for so long, hoping that things might improve, but, unfortunately, it has not,” Padukone said.

Padukone said he was in touch with the Indian Olympic Association, the union Sports Ministry and all the state associations, as well as the International Badminton Federation, “unofficially”.

“But, now that we have registered the IBC, we will be writing to all concerned officially. I am confident that everything will turn out well,” said Padukone.

The IBC which was registered on June 13, will have the following office-bearers till the time formal elections are conducted:

President: Prakash Padukone. Vice-president: Ramesh Moola. Secretary: Mani. Treasurer: Mallikkarjun.Meanwhile, the BAI is scheduled to hold its executive committee and special general body meeting on June 28.