"We had a 9-year agreement with Sunrise, Indian agents for Yonex, which we are continuing for the next three years (2012-15). The entire deal is worth Rs 2.5 crore," said MBA president Pradeep Gandhe at a media conference today.
According to Gandhe, the deal will involve around 100 events over the three-year period, including district-level tournaments and clinics, apart from nine-state selection tournaments per annum. It will also involve providing free kitting, equipment and prizes to the players.
Sunrise India's MD, Vikram Dhar, said while his company is associated with almost all the state badminton associations in India, this is the first time it is supporting badminton activities in all the districts (24) in a state in India.
"The initiative is for the grassroots development of players. We will also try to bring top international stars to interact with the budding badminton players," Dhar said.
According to Dhar, enthusiasm for the shuttle game has picked up all over the country following Saina Nehwal's exploits over the last two years, especially her bronze medal winning show in the London Olympic Games.
"I can't quantify the figures. But the enthusiasm for playing the game has increased a lot," he said.
In association with Yonex-Sunrise, MBA had sent four up and coming shuttlers - Vaibhav Bisne, Chirag Shetty, Lalita Katre and Rasika Raje - for a four-week training stint at the Atil Jauhari Badminton School at Indonesia in May-June.
MBA had also organised clinics at Nagpur and Latur, including for players from nearby districts, earlier this year under the tutelage of Indonesian coach I Edwin.
