
MUMBAI, JULY 2: Maharashtra Badminton Association has roped in the services of Chinese coach Zhu Xiao Dong for a special training camp for promising junior and sub-junior players. Dong, appointed by the Badminton Association of India to train the National squad at Bangalore, will conduct the residential camp at Navi Mumbai Sports Association Complex, Vashi from July 13 to 20.
MBA has selected 15 players for the camp, while the host association, Thane City and District Badminton Association, have the prerogative to nominate four players.
Dong’s contract with BAI had included a clause wherein the Chinese coach, recommended for India by the International Badminton Federation, was to conduct such camps at different parts of the country. Dong is scheduled to arrive in Mumbai on July 12, after a day’s halt at Pune.
The selection of candidates was on the basis of their performance last year, and also in the two selection tournaments held recently. Those selected for the BAI camp have also been included. Shrikant Vad, joint secretary of MBA will be the chief co-ordinator for the camp.
List of shuttlers for the camp: (U-19): Himanshu Thakkar, Nitin Hingole, A Pathak, Amar Mohite, Vinayak Puthran, Varun Khanvilkar, Prashant Bahatre, Nishad Dravid, Kranti Sane, Sim Sim Salaria, Neha Gangoli, Nikita Hurkadli; (U-15): Anand Pawar, Sagar Chopda, Dipti Paranjpe. Standby: Shivani Mayekar.