JOIN USB'luru ready to blast off
With a good mix of young hopefuls and experienced campaigners, the newly formed Bengaluru Blasters can prove to be a tough team to beat in the second edition of the Premier Badminton League, feels team coach and co-owner Arvind Bhatt.
Arvind, who coached the Bengaluru Top Guns last season, tasted little success with the team finishing a disappointing last. But ahead of the new season, Arvind is hopeful of a strong show from his players.
“It will not be challenging to handle the players since they are all talented. Viktor Axelsen is one of our main singles players. He has the ability to pull off some tight matches and he is a great future prospect,” said Arvind at the launch of the team here on Thursday.
Arvind was also confident of some of the young players producing a top show. “We have Ruthvika Shivani Gadde who is one of the best players in the country after Saina (Nehwal) and (P V) Sindhu. With her attacking play, she adds strength to the team,” explained Arvind.
The 37-year-old former international said the experience of Ashwini Ponnappa will prove crucial for the team. “Ashwini is versatile and she can guide the emerging Sikki Reddy in the doubles.”
Ramya Vankina, CEO of Blasters, said the team will be associated with Bhatt’s academy for training purposes. With the renovation work underway at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium, the home venue for the Blasters is yet to be decided. “We will be seeking support from Arvind Bhatt’s academy. The home venue for the team will be either the Koramangala Indoor Stadium or the Sree Kanteerava Stadium,” said Ramya.
Ramya said the team management wants to develop a strong fan base for the Blasters. “During the league, the team will be in Bengaluru for seven days and we intend to connect with the fans,” she said.
The logo of the team was unveiled by the co-owners at the launch. The league will be held from January 1 to 14. The dates of the Bengaluru leg are yet to be announced.
Bengaluru Blasters: Viktor Axelson (Den), Boonsak Ponsana (Thai), Sourabh Verma (Ind), Ruthvika Shivani Gadde (Ind), Porntip Buranaprasertsuk (Thai), Yoo Yeon Seong (South Korea), Pranaav Jerry Chopra (Ind), Ko Sung Hyun (South Korea), Ashwini Ponnappa (Ind) and Sikki Reddy (Ind).