Pax! BAI begs Padukone

A beleaguered Badminton Association of India virtually went down on its knees to buy peace with the Indian Badminton Confederation, offering to consider any suggestion.

BAI's new chief V K Varma, who air-dashed to hold talks with IBC president Prakash Padukone, said he was ready to revamp the BAI, and offered the 1980 All England champion any post he liked.

"If necessary, I am prepared to advance the BAI elections," he said. There should only be one federation in the country," Varma said.

Padukone and Varma reiterated they were committed to protect the players's interest. BAI also clarified that no one would be punished for taking part in the tournament not recognised by it.

Varma said more funds would have to be raised for the game from the corporate sector. The focus should shift from controlling the game to developing it, he said.

Stating his predecessor was 'perhaps too autocratic', he said prize money for 'major' tournaments would be raised to Rs 500,000 and allowances doubled.

When asked what the BAI would do if the IBC released its calender next fortnight, Varma said the players would not be barred from participating in tournaments. He reiterated he would not rule like Fazil Ahmed (the former BAI chairman) and said the 'unsavoury developments' should not have taken place.

UNI