ITANAGAR, 18 Aug: Badminton giant and current Indian chief coach Pullela Gopichand will attend the 9th edition of the Dorjee Khandu Memorial State Badminton Championship, which will be held here from 20 August.
This is Gopichand’s first visit to the state.
Arunachal State Badminton Association (ASBA) secretary-general Bamang Tago said that Gopichand will reach Itanagar on 19 August and interact with budding shuttlers of the state. “His maiden visit will definitely have big impact on the shuttlers as well as development of badminton in the state,” Tago said.
Organising secretary Tania Yasap informed that the Capital Complex Badminton Association – an affiliate of the ASBA – is hosting the state level championship, which is being sponsored by the state government.
The tournament will have 26 events with 298 players taking part, including 69 women players. Men’s top seed Laa Talar will also be in action.
The inauguration will be attended by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Mama Natung, Gopichand, and international umpire Punnaiah Chowdury.
