Olympians declare Maharashtra Badminton League turning point for game – Badminton News
India is certainly giving attention to Badminton as country’s first professional league, Maharashtra Badminton League (MBL), has been announced and national shuttlers hoped that it will elevate the standards of the game.
Pune District and Metropolitan Badminton Association (PDMBA) initiated this league which is jointly sponsored by Cello and Yonex.
MBL offers prize money of Rs 644,000. The winner will pocket Rs 225,000 with runner-up going home with RS 175,000 while third and fourth position holder will be awarded Rs 50,000 each.
Women’s Doubles star Ashwini Ponnappa applauded this effort by Pune association and passed on good wishes. She hoped that MBL will be a turning point in Indian badminton history and other association will also launch such ventures.
Ponappa said, "It is a very good step by the Pune association to conduct the country's first professional badminton league. I am sure it will set the new trend and many associations will now follow the successful pattern of MBL."
Meanwhile, former Olympian Aparna Popat also praised this move and she looked excited over her new role as coach of Lifetime Linnets of Mumbai. She is all set to share her knowledge with youngsters.
She said, "I wish MBL had started a few years ago when I was actively playing. But I am happy for the current crop of players."
Apart from Lifetime Linnets Mumbai, six other teams Graceful Gulls of Nagpur, Daring Doves, Inspiring Eagles, Sensation Skylarks, Gorgeous Gannets and Fiery Falcons from Pune will be contesting in first edition of MBL.
Former international Nikhil Kanetkar, who represented the country in Athens Olympics 2004, stated that this league will take local shuttlers to new heights.
He also hoped that Maharashtra region will soon come at same level with southern region of India.
He said, "I have no doubt in my mind that Maharashtra will soon come at par with them. The league has provided an excellent platform for state shuttlers to showcase their talent."
MBL will feature renowned shuttlers like Sayali Gokhale, Arundhati Pantawane, and Akshay Dewalkar along with national level players like Neha Pandit, Dhanya Nair, Sameer Bhagwat, Sagar Chopda and Eshan Naqvi.
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