Shuttlers plan protest

BANGALORE, June 8: Perhaps for the first time in any national-level badminton competition, all top players will sport black badges as a mark of protest during the semi-final matches of the National Games event tomorrow.

In the first executive meeting after its formation, the Indian Badminton Players8217; Welfare Association IBPWA today decided that all players and association members will sport badges to protest against the treatment meted out to the Uttar Pradesh players in the Games.

IBPWA secretary Vimal Kumar said the players were ready to participate in the tournament on their own expense, but were denied entry by the Badminton Association of India BAI.