Gopichand, Yadav dispell fears over twin blasts

Hyderabad, Aug 27 (UNI) India's badminton national coach Pullela Gopichand and Hyderabad Cricket Assocaition Secretary Shiv Lal Yadav today dispelled the fears of Malaysian Badminton Association and Australian Cricket Association over the twin bomb blasts which occurred in the city couple of days ago.

Speaking to UNI, on behalf of the organisation conducting Indian Open Grand Prix Badminton from September five to nine here, Gopichand said, ''I have full faith in our state police department and they are already on the job to provide adequate security for the upcoming prestigious event.'' The badminton tournament offering prize money of 1,50,000 US dollars, attracted top shuttlers of the world.

''We spoke to the police department, which was taking every precautions for preventing any untoward incident,'' he said.

Malaysian Badminton Association (BAM) Secretary P Ganga Rao reportedly said, ''BAM will take a decision on the team's participation in the Indian Open, as the security of the palyers was paramount to us.'' Mr Shiva Lal Yadav, former test cricketer also said, ''we are in touch with the police department and BCCI. We have enough time, I hope the situation will calm down before the India-Australia ODI here on October five.'' ''The situation is under control now. I sincerely appealed to Cricket Australia not to worry on the recent happenings in Hyderabad,'' he added.

UNI