MUMBAI: 250 shuttlers from India and 12 other countries are battling it out at the 12th annual edition of India International Challenge tournament, taking place at Mumbai's Cricket Club of India (CCI), from Wednesday, running through to November 24.
The event, which has been conducted every year since 2008, has been re-christened as the Infosys Foundation India International Challenge 2019 from this year.
Supported by the Infosys Foundation, the philanthropic and CSR arm of Infosys, and conducted by the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA), the tournament is offering a total prize money of $25,000.
Ms Fariba Madadi from Iran is the tournament referee for the 2019 edition.
Apart from Indians, this year sees participation from players from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and upcoming players from countries like Russia, USA, Bhutan, among others.
The qualifying rounds of the tournament commenced Wednesday, while the main draw is from Thursday.
In line with its commitment to support and encourage excellence across sports in India, Infosys Foundation has chosen to sponsor the international challenge event. Since 2008, the tournament has been hosted by the Cricket Club of India and organised under the auspices of the Maharashtra Badminton Association (MBA) and the Badminton Association of India. It is also sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Asia Confederations (BAC). The India International Challenge is part of the international circuit of badminton tournaments that earns ranking points for players.
The top seeds include players from India, Hong Kong, Russia, U.S.A., and Malaysia.
Prakash Padukone, founder and director, Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA), said: "Indian shuttlers are making their mark on international courts and this has led to a surge of interest in the sport, taking it from just a game played during holidays to a serious sport at a competitive level. PPBA is proud to contribute to the growth of badminton as a competitive sport in the country, and is delighted to be a part of this event for the 12th year in succession. The Infosys Foundation India International Challenge offers a unique opportunity to young badminton talent who are keen to prove their mettle against both promising and established players on an international platform. The ranking points from this event are taken into consideration during the Olympic Qualification of players next year and hence, the competition is bound to be tough and exciting."
Mrs Sudha Murty, chairperson, Infosys Foundation, said: "Real education to me is one that is holistic. Physically, mentally a young academic should continuously seek to learn, and sports, I feel, is an integral part of that education. PPBA is one of the most well-known sports academies in India, which encourages and promotes talent in Badminton, especially focusing on those who have seen economic hardships and yet, are determined to pursue this sport. That is the reason Infosys Foundation decided to join hands with PPBA to help hone these brilliant, talented youngsters, so that they shine in Badminton, globally. The Infosys Foundation India International Challenge is a unique platform where badminton sportspersons from across the world will meet, exchange ideas and endeavor to learn from each other. We wish the tournament success."
Equipment at the event is being supported / sponsored by leading manufacturer Yonex.
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