Prakash calls for proper calendar, professional approach

Chennai, June 14 (UNI) Former All England champion Prakash Padukone has opined that a more streamlined system with professional approach and a proper calendar would raise the standard of badminton in the country.

Prakash, who was here to release his biography ''Touch Play'' at the inaugural function of Smt Krishna Khaitan Memorial All India Junior tournament last night said a more professional approach was needed for the sport to develop in the country.

He welcomed the appointment of Gopi Chand as national coach saying that he was aware of the latest training methods.

On the new pattern of scoring, he said it makes the game more interesting and very close. ''Players have to be consistent and positive. The new pattern keeps the score moving instead of being staganent'', he added.

On the use of plastic shuttles, the Bangalore player said the game will undergo change once it is perfected. ''It will give an advantage to an atacking player who has a good samsh. The plastic the shuttles need to to be improvised. Now it has an inconsistent flight. It's still a long way to go,'' he added.

UNI VV PM BD1849