MBA warns its shuttlers against playing unauthorised tournament

By Paritosh Pramanik

MAHARASHTRA Badminton Association (MBA) has warned its shuttlers against participating in any unauthorised tournament in the State.

Neterwala Open Badminton Tournament has been organised by Neterwala Group in Tumsar from April 7.

According to MBA, the organisers have not taken any prior permission to host the tournament which is being held in various age categories.

Recently Neterwala Group constructed two “international standard” badminton courts at Shirinbai Neterwala School in Tumsar, Bhandara district. The tournament is being organised as part of its celebration.

However, as the organisers did not take permission from Bhandara District Badminton Association, the State body declared it as an unauthorised competition.

Though no special notice has been issued by any of the district associations, a notice is being circulated through various social media platforms warning players not to participate in the competition.

The notice which is on the letterhead of Maharashtra Badminton Association, and signed by Nitin Gabhane, EC Member, MBA, stated “the tournament, which is being held at Tumsar from April 6, is being held without MBA permission. All MBA registered players will not be able to participate in the tournament. If any member is found participating in the tournament then strict action will be taken on them and they will be barred from participating in any State-level matches.”

Gabhane is also member of Bhandara District Badminton Association. When contacted Mangesh Kashikar, MBA Vice-President and Secretary, Nagpur District Badminton Association, he said that the tournament does not have any official permission.

“They did not take any permission either from Bhandara District Badminton Association nor contacted MBA. The BAI and MBA rules for players for participating in any tournament are clear and are posted on the website. They should participate in any tournament only after verifying its legal status,” stated Kashikar.

Kashikar said that it is not necessary for district associations to give notice for every unauthorised tournament “as the rules are framed and are posted on the website.

“We (associations) do not want to stop shuttlers from playing any tournament. It is good that people come forward and organise competitions. But we want proper procedures to be followed,” Kashikar explained.