‘ IBL will boost growth of Indian badminton’
Gopichand ( India’s chief coach) is doing a great job with
the players
JULIANE SCHENK GERMAN SHUTTLER
German world no. 4 women’s singles player Juliane Schenk is overwhelmed by the response she got in the Indian Badminton League auction, and described the league as a concept “that could bring new perspective to the sport in general”.
“For the first time in badminton history, there is a league where teams can buy players and bid for them at an auction. The IBL opens up the market and brings new perspective not only to players, but also to the sport in general,” said the 30- year- old, acquired by the Pune Pistons for a purse of $ 90,000 in the IBL auction.
“The concept of auctioning players is common to soccer and cricket, but the IBL has introduced an interesting dimension to badminton by creating a new value for players in the market,” the 2013 India Open runners- up added.
On the challenges ahead for Pune Pistons in the IBL, Schenk said, “I think one of the biggest challenges will be to from a strong team with different players coming from different countries.
“As you have five matches in each team encounter and almost each two days, getting the team into rhythm with the hectic travelling will be the key.
“Teams that connect players and coaches well with each other will stand a good chance of winning,” said Schenk, who has often been pitted against Saina Nehwal.
Schenk, the 2011 World Championship bronze medallist, also shrugged away questions that she would be under pressure during the league.
“I have many good memories of playing in India and I’ll simply try my best to enjoy each single match and also help my teammates to perform. But yes, playing Indian players on their home soil will always be challenging as I guess they won’t lack any motivation.”
Hailing the development of badminton in India, she said the new cash- rich league could set a new benchmark. “Badminton has huge potential and the IBL is setting new standards. Gopichand (India’s chief coach) is doing a great job with the players and an increasing number of Indians are now emerging into the world tour and challenging the more established and experienced players.
“P. V. Sindhu, Srikanth, Sai Praneeth and H. S. Prannoy are all doing well lately.”
The $ 1 million IBL is set to launch on August 14, with some high- voltage action expected between Krrish Delhi Smashers and Pune Pistons. The 18- day event will feature six franchises, with each franchise to host a two- day leg.
The top four franchises in the league will clash in the semifinals and the winners will meet in the final on August 31 in Mumbai.