Badminton: Seniors Nationals could be made mandatory for top players, says Mishra

Bengaluru: Senior National Championships without its top badminton stars has, over the years, taken some shine off the premier domestic event. 

For Sanjay Mishra, the general secretary of the Badminton Association of India (BAI), this isn’t a major concern but he admits that the governing body might make the tournament mandatory for all players from next year. 

“We are not forcing any top players (to compete in the event). I don't think the date shift is possible. Now, we are following the BWF calendar - from January 1 to December 31. All National championships have to happen before the end of the year,” clarified Mishra when asked if the scheduling of the event at the end of a season causes problems in attracting big names. 

Today, most shuttlers are earning more than ever before and the prize money for the senior Nationals too has seen a substantial jump over the years. A total prize money of Rs 50 lakh in this edition at the Karnataka Badminton Association could see a further increase by 10%-20% from 2025, he added. 

Speaking about appointing Tan Kim Her as the new doubles coach, Mishra said the Malaysian will be in charge of multiple pairs and not just Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.

“There are three or four good doubles and mixed doubles pairs. We don't have an Olympic medal in a pair event. We are expecting the next medal not only in singles.”