VIJAYAWADA: Airports Authority of India–sponsored all India inter-institutional badminton championship, featuring nine teams representing various institutions, will vie for honours at Funtimes Club here from August 8 to 11.
Speaking to media persons, organising secretary V. Sambasiva Rao said that teams from Reserve Bank of India, LIC of India, BSNL Sports Board, Airports Authority of India, Food Corporation of India, Ordinance Factory Sports Control Board, Department of Atomic Energy, Air Force Sports Control Board and Employees State Insurance Corporation will take part both in team and individual events.
Mr. Rao said that the winning team will qualify for the senior National championship scheduled at Nagpur from November 1 to 7.
He said the individual events will be held in men, women singles, men, women doubles and mixed doubles.
“The finalists in both singles and winner of the doubles will get direct entry to the main draw of senior Nationals”.
Ten qualified technical officials of Badminton Association of India will officiate the tournament. ‘As many as 18 international players will be decorating the two courts at the club”.
Vijayawada Airport Director Giri Madhusudhana Rao said that for the past four years AAI was sponsoring the event.
“Vijayawada is growing a capital city and we want to be part of major sporting events. We are planning to sponsor a national chess event,” he said.
The tournament will be inaugurated by APSRTC Managing Director M. Malakondiaiah and Special Chief Secretary L. V. Subrahmanyam on August 8 at 9 a.m