Begin typing your search above and press return to search.

Badminton academy inaugurated

By Sports reporter - 15 Sep 2010 12:00 AM GMT

GUWAHATI, Oct 30 - A long cherished dream as far as Assam badminton is concerned finally came true as the Assam Badminton Academy was formally inaugurated today by Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.

The Assam Badminton Association (ABA) has set up the academy at the Kanaklata Indoor Stadium, in RG Baruah Sports Complex spending about Rs 1 crore. A selected batch of boys and girls has been accommodated in the academy and they will be provided intensive training along with education facilities. The ABA will also secure services of foreign coaches along with regular national level coaches.

Dronacharya Award winner and former champion shuttler Pullela Gopichand was the prime attraction of the opening ceremony. ABA president Himanta Biswa Sarma, Badminton Association of India VK Verma, ASEB Chairman Subhash Das, DGP Shankar Baruah, Director of Sports Sanjib Gohain Baruah and OIL official DD Khound were also present on the occasion as guests.

Inaugurating the academy, Gogoi hoped this institution will be able to produce good number of badminton players in the State as the organisers are putting maximum effort in giving a concrete shape to it. He believes deputation of foreign coaches will definitely pay dividends and the youngsters will get adequate benefit from them. He also hoped through sports, a prosperous and new Assam will be built.

Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardee and former All England champion Gopichand while speaking on the occasion said Assam has produced players like Dipankar Bhattacharyya so there should not be any question that the State will not be able to bring out more national champions. He also expected that within a short span of time, Assam will produce more talented players through this academy. The function was anchored by former international Madhurjya Baruah.

Earlier, ABA president and state Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed that gathering and gave details about the academy.