Delhi State badminton and shuttlers are enjoying a packed calendar as the sport’s governing body for the National Capital is being headed by a former national champion Ameeta Sinh. The Delhi State Badminton Championship, held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium’s KD Jadhav warm up hall from August 7 to 14, was the fourth tournament in Delhi since the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.
The Delhi State Badminton Championship, organised by the Delhi Capital Badminton Association, was the culmination of various inter-district and inter-zonal events in the capital. The series of tournaments was conceptualised by the DCBA president Ameeta Sinh, herself former international and national champion.
To ensure a fair representation and level-playing field the tournament was organised in 5 categories – Under-13 (singles and doubles for boys and girls); Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 categories also had mixed doubles, while the senior category had medal events for men’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles.
The DCBA, with a vision to have continuous badminton activity in the Capital, will soon be announcing competition in 10 more categories – Under-11 and Master 35+, Master 40+, Master 45+, Master 50+, Master 55+, Master 60+, Master 65+, Master 70+ and Master 75+.
The winners at the State Champions were presented with trophies and certificates by Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari, who also graced the final day of the even as the chief guest.
Also a career politician and a former minister in the Uttar Pradesh Government, Dr Ameeta Sinh also roped in sponsors and contributors for the championship – Ms Preeti Malhotra represented title sponsor Modi Chandi/Dr Modi, Global Thought Leader at the finals. Transform, NV Group, Ayurveda brand Vaidyanath, Paras, Shalimar, Coal India, Central Park, Gritzo Supermilk, Lava and MadDoss were the other sponsors.
Baidyanath Group vice-presidents Vedika Sharma and Tarani Sharma also attended the finals on August 14.
Over 1,500 shuttlers from across the capital participated in the eight-day event. The increasing representation is a testimony of Delhi’s growing interest in competitive badminton.
The DCBA ensured full transparency by conducting online draws, using digital live draw process driven by an internationally approved tournament software.
The Complete Draw Match Fixtures – Schedules – Results were updated on regular basis. It was mandatory for the players were instructed to carry their Aadhaar Card, BAI Id/DCBA Id & Birth Certificate at all levels of Championships.
The Badminton Association of India-approved and recognised officials conducted the tournament as per BAI Standards in a smooth, convenient and fair manner.
“The DCBA is working at discovering the hidden badminton talent in the Capital to enable the Delhi State players achieve deserved success at national and international level,” said Dr Sinh. “The ultimate aim is to make the national Capital a badminton hub in the country.”
The championship will also serve as the basis for selection of the Delhi State teams for the North Zone Championships, Badminton Nationals and the National Games.
