Badminton has lost its sheen thanks to a split in the Ball Badminton Federation of India (BBFI). However, after the recent AGM conducted as part of the Sub Junior Nationals at Bhilai, there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Merry Go Round and its down-to-earth secretary for umpteen years, N. Manjunatha has not lost hopes of reviving the sport, which has seen many State and district players emerge from its ranks including B.N. Meera.
“There were at least 35 to 40 clubs playing the game in the 70's and 80's,” says Manjunatha. “Since the split in the federation, there has been a downward graph with almost all States fielding teams for the two nationals. Unless there is a unification, this sorry State will only continue and the players will remain losers.”
Merry Go Round, established in 1968 with S.P. Rajanna and Manjunatha as founder president and secretary respectively, conducted its first event the following year. Thanks to promoters such as P. J. Joseph and H. Chandrasekhar the game took wing in the 70s.
“From 1977 to 2004, there was impressive growth with players and officials gaining goodwill and reputation nationally.
Manjunatha a retired IOB manager recalled the golden era. “For over a decade and more our women's team was unmatched and won all the tournaments at the State and national level. The likes of Shantala and Asha were exemplary talents and dominated the courts.
And they won the State honours including the Ekalavya Award for their proficiency. We had B.N. Meera who played the nationals for 15 years and won the Star of India award (that is given to the best players in each of the five positions) for 13 years.”
Among the men too there were some extraordinary players including Mohamed Ilyas, who played for 14 years and won four Star of India awards. Ilyas is the State association secretary and envisages “a revival of the sport in the State and country.” Karnataka had a healthy rivalry with neighbouring Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh that brought in thousands of spectators onto the grounds.
“Bangalore has conducted about six to seven nationals while Birur, Mudgere, Bhadravatiand and Tumkur invariably had crowds ranging up to 10,000 thronging the stands,” said M.L. Ramchandrappa, vice president of Merry Go Round.
Keshava Kumar, the current president of the club, looks to take the game to a higher level. “I will do all within my limits,” he said. Merry Go Round is organising the 36th State level tournament this weekend. “There are only about 20 teams in the men's section and about eight in the women's section participating this year.
No efforts will be spared to help this sport regain its glory,” said Manjunatha.
