Despite a good showing by Indian shuttlers at recent international meets, the Badminton Association of India does not think it appropriate to enter any player for the prestigious All England Badminton Championship.
However, Chetan Anand and Arvind Bhat, currently ranked world no. 25 and 32 respectively after enjoying a fruitful 2005 in European circuit, are participating on their own in the four-day mega event in Birmingham, from January 18-22.
The BAI cited clash of dates with a preparatory camp for the Thomas and Uber Cup World Team championship, starting January 19 as the reason for ignoring the All England, but their stand appears baffling given the fact that the players would stand to miss only three days of the camp in Jalandhar.
The preliminary rounds of the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup are slated to be held in Jaipur from February 18.
"The All England championship was advanced due to the Commonwealth Games and we decided not to send anyone because of the camp for Thomas and Uber Cup qualifiers and also the
Commonwealth Games," Badminton Association of India secretary L C Gupta said.
Asked if the BAI is aware of Bhat and Anand's participation in the event, he replied in the negative.
"I do not know about any official entry from India. And in any case everyone will have to attend the camp for the Thomas/Uber Cup qualifiers, starting on 19," he said.
Gupta insisted preparation for Thomas and Uber Cup is more important for the country than any other championship.
However, chief coach Vimal Kumar said Bhat and Anand had already left for England.
"They are participating on their own and they have left for the championship. The BAI is not sending anyone because of clash of dates. They will be attending the camp for the Thomas Cup after the event gets over on Jan 22," he said.
Anand is drawn to play Korea's Lee Hyun, the world number 5, while Bhat will take on world no. 9 Wong Choong Hann of Malaysia.
