Badminton academy to get 5 synthetic courts

Avneet Kaur

Jalandhar, November 25

Badminton lovers in the city have a reason to cheer as the badminton academy at the Raizada Hansraj Stadium here, which is being run by legendary ace badminton player and two-time Olympian Dipankar Bhattacharjee, will soon get five new synthetic badminton courts at a cost of Rs 15 lakh. In a letter addressed to the Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner, Member of Parliament Naresh Gujral has sanctioned Rs 15 lakh from the MPLAD funds for the five synthetic badminton courts at the stadium.

“The sanctioned works should be completed quickly as per the provisions of the MPLADS guidelines. I may please be kept informed of the sanction and the progress of the works,” the letter reads.

Meanwhile, players taking training at the academy have demanded synthetic courts several times in the past. They had complained that they have five courts at the stadium. Three of them were wooden, while two were mat courts and that too old and tacky, which are not comfortable for playing.

They had earlier requested the interim committee of the District Badminton Association to replace the wooden courts with synthetic ones. Thus, with the news of getting new courts, players in the district are happy. They said it would help them practice in a better way and compete in a professional manner.

Himang, a student of MGN Public School, Adarsh Nagar, said he was having a great time learning badminton under the guidance of the legendary player who had represented India in the Olympics, Commonwealth, Asian Games and the prestigious Thomas Cup.

When asked if facilities at the stadium are up to date, Himang said the problem of wooden courts at the stadium always troubles players because in various competitions and championships, they have to compete on a synthetic court. Hence, it was necessary for them to practice on the same type of court.

He said he was now happy that the courts were soon going to be replaced. He also requested the district administration as well the interim committee of the association to work upon providing better hostel facilities to the players.