Czech shuttlers happy with facilities, training in Chandigarh

Chandigarh, Dec 13 (UNI) Badminton players from Czech Republic are impressed with the facilities, training and endowment available in Chandigarh.

A five-member team for Czech Republic are training at the Panjab University Badminton Hall at the PU Complex. Sports Authority of India coach Surinder Mahajan, national Czech coach Radek and Dr S N Sharma are attending the one-month camp.

Interacting with mediapersons after the morning session here today, Pavel Florian, a national ranked player of Czech Republic said, ''the sports infrastructure, competitions and level of training are very good here in comparison to the one available in Czech Republic. The wooden courts at the PU Badminton Hall provides enough jump to execute smashes. The method of training is of high quality. SAI coach Surinder Mahajan had last year visited Czech Republic and we learnt a lot from him.'' The tall international player said, ''I was always keen to come to India for training and I have improved a lot. Although the training here is very hard but we all are enjoying it as we are keen to learn more.'' Pavel further said, ''I am getting good exposure by playing with the local players which included Oscar Bansal, who recently finished third in the Junior National Badminton Championship, Narinder, Tusha and Vikas. Oscar has improved a lot since he visited Czech in 2004.'' Girl players Adela and Sarka were of the view that they were learning new things which would help them hon their skills for international competitions.

Appreciating the role of Surinder Mahajan for helping Pavla for winning first medal (bronze) in the European Championship 2002, Czech coach Radek said, ''we are happy with the excellent playing and other facilities arranged by the Panjab University authorities.'' The Czech team members said, ''we like the most is training and the Indian chapatis.'' Some of them have learnt few Hindi words like 'namaste'' etc.

Mahajan said that the exchange programme was possible due to the efforts and help of Dufek Bohumil, who is an authority in Czech badminton.

The Chandigarh Badminton Players Welfare Association and sponsors are meeting the expenses, according to chief patron Mukul Bansal.

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