First came the hasty exit, and then a prompt apology a day after the Badminton World Championships ended without incident. Adrian Christy, chief executive, Badminton England, in a letter dated August 17, issued an apology to the Indian badminton association (BAI) for their team’s withdrawal at the beginning of the tournament citing a perceived security threat. “On behalf of everyone connected with Badminton England, I wanted to convey my apologies that the England team felt it necessary to withdraw from such a major event and to reassure you that our decision was in no way a slight on the Organising Committee or the people of India,” the letter said.

Badminton England also said such a retreat would not be repeated during the Commonwealth Games in October next year. “This decision will not affect our intentions to travel to India in the future,” Christy wrote. “The England badminton team are very much looking forward to visiting India in October 2010 for the CWG when I hope we can demonstrate how greatly we value our relationship with your proud country,” he added.

BAI president VK Verma expected this apology to go a long way in erasing the negative perception about India as an unsafe venue for sporting events. “It’s a vindication that we are fully capable of successfully and professionally holding these big events. I was also told that but for the misleading reports in newspapers, the English team would have stayed on. They promised their commitment of returning for the Commonwealth Games,” he said. Verma believes that the British had sought a cross-section of feedback about the safety at the venue, and after being duly convinced were ready to come back next year.

... contd.