Excerpts from an interview:

Q: What is BAI's current status in terms of being re-affiliated with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)?

A: As of today, we have received an invitation, but have not gone ahead. There are some clauses of the IOA which seem to bother many state associations. We want a unanimous decision before going ahead with the re-affiliation. Hopefully, in the next AGM in February a decision would be reached.

Q: What are your personal views on seeking re-affiliation?

A: There is no harm in becoming a member. All other associations are affiliated, so there is no reason to abstain from the IOA fold. Regarding the clauses, I do not knowwhether they are retained intentionally or just because no one has bothered to look into the matter. However, things could be sorted out after the re-affiliation is effected. The best way is to get into the IOA or not talk about it.

Q: How much is the BAI losing out?

A: Quite a bit. In terms of both the IOA and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), several scholarship schemes and procurement of foreign coaches on government assistance have not been available to the BAI.

Q: There has been mention of an academy to be set up in Pune based on the lines of the BPL Prakash Padukone Academy in Bangalore. When will this materialise?

A: Nothing has been finalised so far. We have had one positive round of discussions with the Poona District Metropolitan Badminton Association (PDMBA) who run their scheme at the WIE Sports Complex. However, there is no sense in opening academies all over the country. As sponsorship is the major hurdle, the academy would not provide residential facility. We arethinking more in terms of having Pune as a prime feeding centre. That means we will provide expert coaching and shuttles to players in Pune and prepare them for further intensive training at the Bangalore academy.

Q: About the formation of the Court Officials Committee (COC)?

A: The COC, formerly known as Umpires Committee, is in line with the International Badminton Federation (IBF). The committee would strictly look into issues that concern umpires. Earlier, a member of the executive committee (joint secretary) looked after the umpiring aspects.

For starters, after the first meeting of COC due to be held during the Junior Nationals at Chennai later this year, a refresher course for umpires is on cards. This will be followed by other courses aimed at improving standards on a universal front. As far as I am concerned, being the chairman, I would strictly leave it to the panel (experts) to make their decisions and remain more of a co-ordinator.

Q: Does BAI have plans to increase the number oftournaments in the domestic calendar. Overall are your satisfied?

A: Among the seniors, no major changes are planned. In fact, I was not happy with the number of tourneys for the juniors (only three GP events) which is not enough. Junior tourneys should be on par with the seniors, because if we are looking at the second line of attack it logically would be from the juniors.

Q: Could you shed light on the proposed Indian Open (Six star) international scheduled in November?

A: Due to the financial crunch, we have postponed the tourney to next year.