It has been reported that the $1-million Indian Badminton League (IBL) proclaimed its Delhi Smashers Franchise on Monday which was successfully bid and purchased by Gurgaon-based business conglomerate Krrish Group. Krrish Group has carved a niche in business which deals with distillery, breweries, real estate and construction. Presently, it has debuted in sports arena.
Owner of the Krrish Group Amit Katyal addressed on the occasion that they are very excited and proud to have bid and won the franchise for the Delhi team. As badminton is one of the most popular sports in the country, they had no reticence to bid for a franchise in the Indian Badminton League. They consider themselves lucky that they got the team that they were targeting for. The format prompted them to venture into this League as it promises to create a difference for nascent talent at grass root level.
The ‘Commercial Partner’ for IBL and CEO, Sporty Solutionz Ashish Chadha addressed on Krrish Group’s successful bid to own the Delhi Smashers franchise that they welcome Krrish Group for making their entry into the sports community through IBL. Of course this is a good sign as it is witnessing committed corporate like Krrish Group which is proceeding for the betterment and in the process striving to carry the sport a notch higher.
Badminton Association of India President & MP Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta conveyed that Delhi is a crucial centre for badminton and has excellent world class infrastructure and facilities which helps in grooming the talent. Above all, Krrish Group owning the Delhi Smashers will definitely help the young talent and the sport in Delhi in the future.
It has come to light that Krrish Group has appointed the legendary shuttler and former World No.1 Rashid Sidek as the Chief Coach of Delhi Smashers. The Malaysian shuttler won the Thomas Cup and subsequently an Olympic bronze medal due to which he is regarded as one of the most inspiring sportspersons in his era. Following retirement, Sidek was instrumental in motivating the new generation of Malaysian players like current world No.1 Lee Chong Wei, Wong Choong Hann and Wong Mew Choo.
Rashid Sidek highlighted on his appointment as the Chief Coach of Delhi Smashers in the 2013 IBL that this is a historic moment for badminton. Certainly, it will be a great challenge to congregate players from different nationalities and background and he is looking forward to the Indian Badminton League.
The Indian Badminton League is scheduled to launch on 14th August, 2013. It may carry with it some high-voltage action expected between PVP’s Hyderabad Hotshots and BOP Group’s Banga Beats. In fact, the 2013 IBL will be attributed by six franchises and will continue for 18 days. Each franchise is supposed to host a two-day leg and the League will display a grand total of 90 matches. This will provide broadcasters and in-stadia spectators with above 100 hours of LIVE “family entertainment” which will also be watched by a noteworthy international audience. The matches are scheduled to be held during late afternoon and evening to match with prime time television, providing a suitable time for the stadium audience. Along with the LIVE IN-stadia entertainment, the high-octane on-court action is anticipated to further attract viewers onto this latest adrenalin packed LIVE family entertainment format. The event is also expected to attract a much younger fan base, which includes women and children.
The apex four franchises in the League will lock horns in the semifinals and the winners will clash in the grand final on 31st August. This mega event will take place in Mumbai, for the richest prize money tournament in badminton till date. In addition, the IBL will run the biggest school championship for badminton in India, Shuttle Express. The IBL School Program is projected to reach 5 lakhs children in more than 120 schools in 6 major cities, Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Lucknow, Hyderabad and Pune. Moreover, the Shuttle Express offers Rs 10 lakhs as prize money and a chance to train at the world-class Pullela Gopichand Academy to the young players.
