Indian men in final, Dola Banerjee in semis

Patna, June 9, 2010: The Indian men’s recurve team moved into the second successive final of the ongoing World Cup archery series. The crack combination of Mangal Singh Champia, Jayanta Talukdar and Rahul Banerjee, would take on the United States of America in the title round on Thursday.

According to information received here, Dola Banerjee entered the semifinals of the individual section of this Stage II tournament at Antalya in Turkey. Her next opponent would be Victoriya Koval of Ukraine on Friday.

The Indian men’s team, seeded No. 1, first ousted Belarus 224-211 in the pre-quarterfinals, downed Russia 224-219 in the quarterfinals and got rid of Japan 216-213 in the semifinals. India had lost to Italy in the final at the Porec World Cup in May.

Apart from Dola, only Talukdar and reigning Cadet World Champion Deepika Kumari reached quarterfinals before bowing out. Talukdar went down to Shungo Tabata of Japan and Deepika lost to Inna Stepanova of Russia.Mangal Singh Champia was the most disappointing of the lot losing his first round match to Sermet Chinar of Turkey.

Tarundeep Rai was eliminated in the second round by England’s Simon Terry. Rahul Banerjee, having got the second seeding, fell to Xiangqing Jing of China in the pre-quarterfinals.Laishram Bombayla Devi was beaten by Elif Begunhan Unsal of Turkey in the pre-quarterfinals and Rimil Buruily failed to go past the first round.

Source: Press release from Indian Archery Association

Yonex-Sunrise to sponsor World badminton championships to be held in Hyderabad from August 10

New Delhi, July 15, 2009
World's No.1 Badminton brand Yonex and its international Distributor for South East Asia including India, Sunrise & Co. Pte Ltd have come together to present the first ever BWF World Championship 2009 to be held in Hyderabad from August 10-16.

Organized by the Badminton World Federation and Badminton Association of India in association with YONEX-SUNRISE, this is the first time ever for India to be hosting a World Championship event for an Olympic sport in over 20 years. Amongst the leading international players Taufik Hidayat (Indonesia), Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia), Peter Gade (Denmark), the Indian sensation Saina Nehwal will be participating in the tournament.

It will see approximately 500 participants from 45 countries including India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Denmark, Japan, China, Sweden, Vietnam, England, Korea, France, Austria, Belgium and Thailand vying for the top honors.

"It is a privilege for us to be organizing the World Championship and indeed a great landmark event for it to be held in India. Yonex, the World's No.1 badminton brand has a major role in promoting and fostering talent in the sport internationally and it is only with their support and contribution together with the participation of Sunrise Sports that this huge opportunity has been made possible.” said V. K. Verma, president, Badminton Association of India,

He also acknowledges significant support received from the Ministry of Sports, Government of India In promoting this event.

D. K. Seth, MD, Sunrise & Co. (Pte) Ltd, said, “The World Championship is a tournament where the best players of the world get to compete for the ultimate honor and being associated with such an event is a matter of pride for us. We strongly believe in providing the best equipment and support for nurturing young talent in badminton and this year's BWF World Championship 2009 will be a great platform for some of them to showcase their talent in an international arena. Team India will be coached by the veteran badminton player, Pulella Gopichand and we are eagerly looking forward to seeing some super performances.”

The draws for the championship 2009 will be announced on July 21 at Hotel Taj Palace in the presence of Dr.M.S.Gill, Union Sports Minister, Suresh Kalmadi, president, Indian Olympic Association, Mike Fennell, president, Commonwealth Games Federation, Sindhushree Khullar, secretary (Ministry of Sports), Paisan Rangsikitpho, deputy president, Badminton World Federation and D.K.Seth, Managing Director Sunrise & Co, Pte Limited and V.K.Verma, president, Badminton Association of India.

Men and women singles, doubles and mixed doubles events will be organised in the championships.

Source: Business Wire India press realease