In a historic first, the World team badminton championship, for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup, will be held in Delhi from May 18 to 25, 2014.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) formally entrusted the hosting of the prestigious championship to the Badminton Association of India (BAI), following the signing of an agreement between the two bodies on Friday. Siri Fort Indoor Complex will be the venue for the event, to be contested every two years, to decide the world’s strongest men’s and women’s teams.
India hosted the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup preliminary stage matches in 1988, 2000 and 2006. It will be a big opportunity for BAI to showcase its organising skills following the successful hosting of the 2009 World championship in Hyderabad and the annual India Open, a Super Series event on the BWF calendar, since 2011.
Following the signing of the agreement, BWF deputy president Paisan Rangsikitpoh was confident of India’s capability to host the event.
“We had been looking at India as a possible host of this event for a few years now. It is among the older members of the world body and we, at BWF, are confident of New Delhi being a fine host next year.”
Review system
Answering questions regarding the introduction of the Instant Review System in the game, Mr. Rangsikitpoh said, “I wish it was introduced from this event (the ongoing India Open). In that case, we would not have had a situation like we had on Thursday (referring to the controversial line-call that played its role in the defeat of top seed Saina Nehwal).
He reiterated that the review system would be introduced at the Indonesia Open in June, after testing it in next month’s Sudirman Cup (mixed world team event). Each player shall have a minimum of two challenges. Each review is expected to be complete within five to 15 seconds.
Later, speaking to newspersons, BWF Chief Operating Officer Thomas Lund said there was no move to offer a window to the Indian Badminton League (IBL), scheduled for next month.
“BWF considers the IBL a domestic event. There are several leagues worldwide and the BWF does not allow any window. We have our calendar in place and it is for the countries, holding their league, to fit it into their schedule.”