New Delhi:  Badminton Association of India’s (BAI) sustained effort over many decades has started to give us result in badminton, said Injeti Srinivas, Director General, Sports Authority of India, here on Saturday.

Speaking on the launch of “Shuttle Time India”, a school badminton programme, he said “More infrastructures will be developed so that the players of calibre come out. BAI has structured process to develop grassroots and school level programme. There are 1.3 million schools in the country. Even if one teacher takes an orientation for one sport, imagine cascading effort it can have on sports. It does not necessarily need a lot of money.”

“A player who has to pursue badminton at the top level has to avail best academy. In the recently concluded Rio Olympics, we had our share of disappointments as our players and teams performed below the level of our expectation,” he said.

BAI president Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta said, “Badminton is on the rise in India and it is slowly gaining the popularity that was long overdue. This programme will surely popularise the sport and will increase the badminton participation among youngsters. Teachers and coaches are the first ones who train future stars. At this level young shutters must get right coaching at a right time. This programme will help PE Teachers and coaches to learn how to teach badminton to children and youth at grassroot level.”

DG SAI appreciated the efforts of BAI to encourage the youngsters to come out and play for the nation. “Developing a sport in country you need an ecosystem for promotion of sports.”

On being asked whether he has any special plans for disabled athletes as para badminton was being introduced in Paralympics in Tokyo in 2020, he said “BAI has to decide whether and when they want to focus on this aspect.” 

Meanwhile, TPS Puri (VP, BAI), Anup Narang (JT secretary BAI) Ashok Singh (president, DCBA) and Madhumita Bisht (National Coach) were also present on the occasion.