Players optimistic but guarded over Padukone’s rebellion

Pradeep Gandhe, who represented India 37 times between 1977-85, felt that “the volcano has erupted” and what remains to be seen is who are the casualties.

Gandhe said that the immediate fallout in the formation of the IBC could be a “state of confusion.”

“It remains to be seen how the conflict between the two bodies is resolved. Unless the picture is clear, it’s quite possible that players may run the risk of getting debarred for participating in a tournament conducted by the rival body,” he opined.

“The two most important aspects that needs to be seen is whether the IBC gets recognition from the government and the International Badminton Federation. The response from the state associations to the breakaway body will also be keenly awaited. Therein remains the key to the impasse that is likely to develop.

“Having said that, I must add that from what I know of Prakash he would have explored all the possible repercussions before coming to such a daring decision,” he added.

Leroy D’Sa, one of the greatest exponents of the paired event and a veteran of 27 Nationals, felt that if a renowned player like Padukone decides to form the rival IBC, “it only means he’s doing it for the good of the game and is not motivated by power.”

The triple bronze medallist at the 1982 Asiad explained: “The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has failed to lift the game in the country in its 50 years of existence. This is not to belittle Fazil Ahmed and the BAI. Perhaps they have done their best. But it’s obviously not good enough if a player of Prakash’s calibre is not pleased with the state of affairs.

“I think the IBC is a good omen for Indian badminton. However, it will take some time to find its feet. Personally, I would be happy if the BAI and the IBC sign a truce. I would like them to sit down and discuss pooling their resources instead of fighting with each other, which could only harm the game.”

Ami Ghia, once ranked No 7 in the world, felt it was too early to comment on the IBC.

“Prakash has been a great player, but I simply can’t predict how his move will affect Indian badminton. After all, the BAI has been in existence for long. During my playing days, players received ample opportunities. Then, as of now, there could be areas for improvement especially when you consider there are a variety of opinions that float around.

“I do agree that a former player has the potential to organise the game far better than a pure administrator. With the wealth of experience behind him and the capacity to understand the needs of players, Prakash holds a natural advantage in communicating and executing.”

Nandu Natekar, former world No 4 and widely acknowleged as the greatest player the country has produced after Padukone, welcomed the formation of IBC.

Speaking from his residence in Pune, Natekar said: “The change is welcome. The reins should go to younger people and a younger man like Prakash has got the necessary charisma.”

But Natekar, one of the past presidents of the Maharashtra Badminton Association and now a national selector, was unsure about the immediate future. “The IBC has got itself registered which means its a parallel body to the BAI. There is bound to be confusion for sometime,” he added.

Kulin Manek, secretary of the Greater Mumbai Badminton Association (GMBA), said that “personally I am with Prakash but I cannot talk on behalf of the GMBA”.

Manek, who played for Maharashtra between 1966-73, felt that though the past and present players, it will be a very uphill task ahead for Padukone as “Fazil Ahmed is a very powerful man” and one who is constitutionally elected to the office.

“As far as the GMBA is concerned, we are a district body and everything for us depends on what line of action is taken by the Maharashtra Badminton Association (MBA). I honestly cannot visualise the picture ahead. The state calendar is out and the players will be in a state of disarray,” he added.

Anil Pradhan, a former State player and one of the top coaches in the country who has produced players of the calibre of Radhika Bose, Jyoti Sanghi and Aparna Popat, said that the IBC’s progress depends on the reactions of the state units.

“Fazil Ahmed has been in power for more than three decades and many of the officials in the state associations are serving out long tenures themselves. It’s a fluid situation right now. And considering the fact that the BAI is elected by the state units, I think a change in the constitution will be required to facilitate the forming of the new body.

“Personally, I welcome the advent of Prakash’s confederation. It should have happened long ago. Prakash has played badminton and knows the needs of players. I believe he will look after the players and the players will expect this of him.

“I don’t really know how the players will react to the new body, keeping in mind their understandable apprehensions of participating in tournaments organised by a breakaway group. "Among the changes I am looking forward to seeing under Padukone’s administration is an overall improved organisational setup that would bring in more tournaments, a better calendar and enhanced sponsorship.”