* The Indian Badminton Players Welfare Association (Western Region) have hailed the decision of the Maharashtra Badminton Association (MBA) and Goa Badminton Association (GBA) for joining the Prakash Padukone-floated Indian Badminton Confederation (IBC).

Bhushan Akut, vice-president IPBWA (WR) has congratulated the MBA and GBA on behalf of the players of Maharashtra and Goa for ``having taken the bold step of disaffiliating themselves from the Badminton Association of India (BAI).''

``By joining hands with the Prakash Padukone's newly formed Indian Badminton Confederation (IBC), they have taken a step in the right direction which will boost the game of badminton and the players of India in particular, to rise up to the challenges,'' says Akut in a release.

Wimbledon contest

* Nike, the sports goods giant have got into the Wimbledon mood by announcing a unique contest. The prize at stake are a pair of Nike shoes for the 25 lucky winners.

Aimed at bringing in a measure of excitement in India around the mega tennis event, the contest involves tennis enthusiasts to predict the most outlandish happening which could take place at Wimbledon-1997.

Anybody can participate in the contest by filling a form freely available at all Nike and Bata outlets in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, Chandigarh and Ludhiana. The first 500 applicants win Nike caps as early bird prizes. Besides, 200 Nike T-shirts would be distributed as second prizes.

The last date of submitting the form is July 6, informs a release.

Lecture on cricket coaching

* The Cricket Coaches Association of Mumbai (CCAM) will be holding a lecture-cum-demonstration on ``Coaching -- Different Aspects'' at the press conference hall, Wankhede Stadium tomorrow (Saturday) at 5 p.m.

Former Test star Sandeep Patil will be the speaker on the occasion, states a CCAM release.

Honourarium for sportspersons

* The Government of Maharashtra is implementing a scheme of giving monthly honourarium to the sportspersons above 50 years, who have made outstanding achievements at the national and international level.

Further details can be obtained from the District Sports Officer, Mumbai Suburban District, Government Physical Training College compound, Kandivili (E), Mumbai during working hours, informs a government release.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.