NEWS : Prakash Padukone dreams of bringing Grand Prix event to India

[kwun]

Prakash Padukone dreams of bringing Grand Prix event to India



- source : the Hindu



Bangalore, June 24. (PTI): Legendary badminton player Prakash Padukone, has a dream that has remained unfulfilled over the years -- it is to see that a Grand Prix event is held in India.

"It has still remained dream. But it's alive", the former All England Champion said here.

Efforts are on to bring such an event but there are currently no concrete moves, he said. "We will do it", he asserted.

According to sources, Badminton Association of India is mulling to bid to host a Grand Prix event in India in 2006. Next year's Asian Junior Championship has reportedly been awarded to India to be staged in Hyderabad.

Padukone stressed the need to organise at least a one-star tournament -- Indian Open -- in the country, but the expenditure involved would be Rs. 1 crore making it necessary to have sponsorship.

He urged the BAI to have more tournaments for seniors -- last year there were just four -- to give more opportunities for the shuttlers in the 19-22 age category. Padukone emphasised the need for giving this age group more opportunities to raise the standard of the game further and see that members of the Indian team do not take their places for granted.

[s1nn3r]

Without Government support ... you cant go anywhere in sportsss

[cheongsa]

Without Government support ... you cant go anywhere in sportsss

No sport in US has government support, in the usual sense of the word.

[ants]

USA is different. They have long history.

[kwun]

No sport in US has government support, in the usual sense of the word.

that's not true. local governments help build sports stadiums all the time.

[ants]

that's not true. local governments help build sports stadiums all the time.

Thats true..

[viver]

No sport in US has government support, in the usual sense of the word.

You mean support as subsidies or grants...