MUMBAI: Chief national coach Pullela Gopichand will NOT be the next number 2 of the Badminton Association of India, as has been widely reported over the past few days. Instead of being BAI general secretary, the former All-England champion and man primarily responsible for the champions the country has produced for the last decade and more, will be one among 12 vice-presidents in the national body.
Gopichand, 48, on Friday filed his nomination for one of the vice-president posts in the BAI, while Sanjay Mishra threw his hat in the ring for the general secretary’s position.
Friday was the last date for candidates to file nominations, while the last date for withdrawal is March 19. The elections are scheduled to be held on March 25.
“After long discussions and weighing all the pros and cons, Gopichand has filed his nominations for VP’s post, while Sanjay Mishra is now the unanimous choice for the general secretary’s post,” a source privy to the developments told PTI. SportzPower would be curious to know said “long discussions” entailed but it is what it is.
As already reported, BJP leader Himanta Biswa Sarma is set to be re-elected as BAI president while outgoing secretary Ajay Singhania and Tamil Nadu Badminton Association president Ambumani Ramados are also set to assume the roles of vice-president. Additionally, Arun Lakhani will be the treasurer and Omar Rashid will take over as joint secretary.
The returning officer will prepare the final list of the contenders on March 20, PTI further reports.
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