BAI meet today to defuse crisis

The BAI president, who had severely criticised Padukone for launching the IBC, has been on the defensive after the Maharashtra, Goa and West Bengal state units pledged support to IBC and joined Karnataka in disaffiliating from BAI.

“A more dynamic BAI machinery is needed and Prakash’s demand for more player-oriented administration should be accepted,” admitted BAI vice-president, VK Verma, who has also recently been made executive president.

“But by creating a parallel body, Prakash will be doing harm to the game. Breakaway groups have always failed in the end. There is no issue we can’t sort out,” he told PTI.

Denying that state bodies were deserting BAI for IBC, Verma said BAI had the full backing of the Asian body (ABC), which mattered the most. “The ABC fully backs the elected BAI office-bearers,” he added.

Asked where would BAI stand if the Indian Olympic Association chose to grant affiliation to IBC, Verma said it was the ABC backing that mattered. “For everything, including players gaining entries in tournaments abroad, it is the ABC which decides on BAI recommendation,” he said.

The BAI had severed their ties with IOA in the mid-80s. Barring three or four units representatives of all other units will attend, Verma said, adding that indiscipline would not be tolerated. “However, the BAI’s approach would be for reconciliation,” he said.

With IBC gaining support and adopting a stand which looks irreversible, the outcome of tomorrow’s meeting and IBC’s response should guide the destiny of Indian badminton.