Moodbidri: The royal sport of our country, ball badminton is hampered by incessant attack from other games, especially shuttle badminton. So, there is a need for continuous coaching assignments to attract more youngsters towards the game, which is much cheaper compared to other games said Legislator and former minister K Abhaychandra Jain.

He was speaking after inaugurating M K Anantharaj memorial 62nd senior National Ball Badminton Championship for men and women, organized by Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri and Karnataka Ball Badminton Association, under the auspicious of the Ball Badminton Federation of India, on Saturday, Alva’s Vidyagiri Campus Ground, Moodbidri , Mangalore.

He added and said, Ball badminton is a fast-paced game, it demands skill, good judgment, and agility. Moreover, it is an attractive game for rural boys since it required a minimum of equipment. He recalled his father, who was great ball badminton and tennis player, played for Banaras University.

The inauguration of the event started off in all pomp and excitement with eminent personalities hoisting the flag. The fluttering flag brought in the feeling of enthusiasm and energy. The flag hoist was followed by the march past by the participating teams from different parts of the country like Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Mumbai, Manipur, West Bengal and other teams from around the country. Later, Alva’s Education Foundation cultural teams marched to the tune of the band. The march past created much enthusiasm, cheer and excitement, as almost the whole country marched on the ground of the sports city of Moodbidri.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, Executive Director,Adani Group UPCL Kishore Alva, Ball Badminton Federation of India Secretary Raja Rao, Alva’s Education Foundation Chairman Dr M Mohan Alva, Entrepreneur Sarvottham Shetty were present among others.