Bangalore, Feb 7: Former All England Champion Prakash Padukone and former National Coach Vimal Kumar today took strong exception to calling off the National Badminton Camp in preparation for Thomas and Uber Cup qualifers due to 'non-availability of shuttlecocks'.

Talking to UNI, Prakash said, "it is unfortunate that the Camp in Goa was called off for want of shuttlecock. The organisers could have procured locally to meet the situation." Declining to blame anybody for the failure, he said that instead of putting blame on somebody, the emphasis should have been more on how the camp got started. "If either BAI or SAI had taken the initiative the Camp could have been started even if it meant a delay of a day or two. But some way could have been found in continuing the Camp," Prakash felt.

Replying to a question, he said the calling off may not have any adverse impact on the players as they would go back to their respective academies and train. "In the long run it will not have any impact, but since players had assembled and the decision was taken late might, it might have some effect on the players. But I am sure things will get settled soon," he said.

Prakash clarified that since the Ministry had stopped importing shuttlecocks from China following Bird flu, there was shortage in the supply but organisers could have procured them locally to meet the situation, instead of calling off the Camp altogether.

Prakash, who is also Director of Tata-Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy, said that about eight players of the Academy would be returning shortly from Goa for training.

Former National Coach Vimal Kumar said that the procurement of shuttlecock from China was stopped because of a ban by the Union Agriculture Minister following break out of avian flu, but situation could have been handled better by procuring locally instead of take hasty decision of calling off the Camp.

"In my opinion the BAI had been facing the problem since last three months, it could have brought pressure earlier itself to get the supply instead of waiting so long. It was a 'silly' reason to call off the Camp since it was fixed well in advance. BAI could have procured locally and could have returned after getting supply or used it for future camp. At least the Ministry is reimbursing the cost", he added.

UNI