Marking a noteworthy stride in the advancement of badminton within the nation, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) inaugurated the state-of-the-art National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati, a significant development for the sport’s growth.
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The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of notable dignitaries, including Assam Chief Minister and BAI President Himanta Biswa Sarma, revered badminton luminary Taufik Hidayat, Pullela Gopichand, the chief coach of the Indian team, members of the historic Thomas Cup-winning team, Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, Assam, Nandita Gorlosa, Dalipkumar Seth, President of Sunrise Group of Companies, Vivek Dewangan, CMD of REC, and Vikram Dhar, Managing Director of Sunrise Sports (India), alongside key BAI officials.
Reflecting on this achievement, the BAI President Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed, “This realization of the National Centre of Excellence has been a seven-year endeavour. It brings me immense joy that today we possess a preeminent excellence center in India and one that ranks among the finest globally. Furthermore, it is heartening to know that this establishment will contribute to Assam’s legacy and catalyze a revolutionary chapter in the region’s sports history.”
The National Centre of Excellence stands as a testament to its remarkable facilities, including an impressive cluster of 16 courts tailored to meet the rigorous training demands of 60 athletes in its initial phase. The facility also houses a modern 4,000 sq ft gymnasium, a 60-bed player hostel, and a dedicated 2,000 sq ft physiotherapy centre, ensuring athletes receive comprehensive care and support to sustain peak performance.
Eminent international badminton coaches, including Indonesia’s Mulyo Handoyo focusing on singles player development, former All England champion Russia’s Ivan Sozonov, and Korea’s Park Tae-Sang, spearhead a robust coaching team. Coupled with a roster of Indian coaches undergoing global-standard training, this coaching panel aspires to fortify India’s badminton prowess.
Encompassing a sprawling expanse of 40,000 square feet, the centre signifies a pivotal milestone in Indian badminton’s trajectory, redefining training standards and igniting the nation’s promising prospects in the sport.
India’s renowned shuttler, Kidambi Srikanth, affirmed, “This center epitomizes BAI’s vision of elevating Indian badminton. I am confident that it will catalyze forthcoming successes.”
The bustling stadium also bore witness to a captivating exhibition match, featuring top Indian badminton stars Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Vishnuvardhan Goud Panjala, Krishna Prasad Garaga, and Dhruv Kapila, providing a riveting display for the gathered audience.