Badminton Fraternity criticises BAI Chief

Hyderabad, May 16 (UNI) Indian badminton fraternity today criticised the Badminton Association of India President V K Varma for his autocratic style of functioning and his criticism of the coaches.

The Indian Badminton fraternity comprising coaches, former coaches, parents of national champions and former players in a joint statement issued here condemned Mr Varma for his irresponsible statement.

Mr Varma, in an interview recently, had questioned the ability and commitment of badminton coaches in India. He event went to the extent of advising the former coaches and players to stop coaching as they had achieved nothing during their time.

The BAI President's contention that fathers, fathers-in-law and relatives of players should stay out of the game had irked them.

They alleged that Mr Verma's contribution to Indian badminton was negligible and he has lost his moral right to continue in office. His credentials, even as a follower of the game was under question, as he has hurt the sentiments of the badminton fraternity, they added.

The statement was signed, among others by U Vimal Kumar, former chief national coach and national champion, SM Arif, Dronacharya and former chief national coach, Ganguly Prasad, national coach and chief coach at Centre of Excellence, SAI, Bangalore, Vikram Singh, national coach and former international player, Madhumita Bisht.

They also criticised Mr Varma for his ignorance over the difference between team and individual sports. Badminton is an individual sport and the players train on their own, unless it is a team championship, they said.

They said it was unwarranted on the part of the BAI Chief to cite the cricket players Sachin Tendulkar and Saurav Ganguly training together in a national camp as an example.

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