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Padukone to help resolve impasse

"It's a step in the right direction," said Punch Gunalan, secretary-general of the Asian Badminton Confederation and vice president of the International Badminton Federation, after convincing Prakash Padukone to set up an ad hoc committee to solve the current impasse that has paralysed the game in the country.

The senior official, following discussions with Badminton Federation of India officials, was authorised by the IBF to initiate talks with Prakash with a view to solving the problem created by the setting up of the rival Indian Badminton Confederation.

After the meeting, Gunalan told the media that the BAI's clear approval to all points raised by Prakash paved the way for the understanding. "Prakash's experience as player and coach and the acumen of the BAI in administration, including finding sponsors for the programme, should make India a force to reckon with in about three years time," Gunalan said.

Prakash for his part speaks with caution, as contrasting with the optimism Gunalan is so full of. "Hopefully, something will come of the initiative but in the meantime, the IBC will go ahead with its proposed tournament schedule." He added that he would need to consult the IBC office bearers before making a firm commitment.

"A decision will be taken at the soonest," said Prakash, "but no time frame has been set for finding a solution." The former ace indicated that both the IBC and the BAI would need time to convene their general bodies, decide on the number of representatives they want on the ad hoc committee, and so on.

Gunalan, meanwhile, said proposals for toning up the zonal administration of the game had been handed over to the BAI and that Prakash, if he so desired, could be nominated to both the IBF and the ABC.

Read also: K Bhaskaran's column