Patna: A nine-member delegation from the Ball Badminton Federation of India, led by National President and Member of the Bihar Legislative Council, Professor Nawal Kishore Yadav, met with the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, in New Delhi today. The delegation sought the government’s cooperation in the development of ball badminton, including the renewal of the Indian Ball Badminton Federation’s recognition.
During the meeting, Professor Yadav highlighted the significant achievements of ball badminton, noting that the sport had been recognised as indigenous to India by the Government of India since 1959. He emphasised that to further promote ball badminton, the Sports Ministry should extend all necessary facilities and support. He also pointed out that six ball badminton players have been honoured with the prestigious Arjuna Award, and many players have secured employment in both government and non-government sectors, including Railways, ISRO, the Bank Sports Board, Major Ports, the All India Electricity Board, Canara Bank, the Department of Atomic Energy, the Income Tax Department, LIC, steel companies, and the National Mines Department. Additionally, state governments and teams from institutions, states, and union territories regularly participate in national competitions.
The meeting also involved a detailed discussion on the technical aspects of this ancient Indian game. Minister Mansukh Mandaviya assured the delegation that the Government of India would extend all possible support to the sport’s development.
Apart from Professor Yadav, the delegation included Y. Raja Rao (General Secretary, Chhattisgarh), Gouri Shankar (Associate Joint Secretary), Shaukat Ali Mansuri (Joint Secretary, Rajasthan), Laxmikant Sharma (National Tournament Committee member), J.P. Vyas (Patron, Rajasthan), Lokpal Singh, Dr. Arun Dayal (Member, Bihar), and Shiv Narayan Pal (Bihar).
