Dismissing suggestions that allowing foreign players to feature in Indian tournaments would hurt the interests of the domestic young talent, chief national coach U Vimal Kumar has said the move would enhance competitive levels and keep both top stars and budding players on their toes.
He said during his playing days two decades back, shuttlers from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand used to come and play test matches in India. "That benefitted us a lot and I thought to revive (foreign participation)," Vimal said.
Noting that only top players from India were currently getting to play international badminton, he said when those from Far-Eastern countries also come, it would give a lot of exposure to other shuttlers as well.
"Plus, the interest in India in badminton will also go up. The style of playing by South-East Asian players is very different.... it would give a lot of flavour to Indian tournaments".
Vimal acknowledged that the move was also aimed at keeping the top Indian players as well as youngsters on their toes while also taking into account the interest of sponsors.
"Over the last couple of years, it has been seen that top Indian players tend to miss out on these (domestic) events. A lot of sponsors are not coming forward to support these tournaments. So, with these players (from South East Asia) coming in, sponsors will also feel good".
Badminton Association of India had last month decided to allow players from Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore to take part in three prize money events in December. The move came in for flak from top woman shuttler Aparna Popat who said young players could be demoralised if they ran into their superior foreign rivals in initial rounds itself.
But Vimal Kumar said foreign participation would benefit the young talent and not hamper their prospects, adding the team selection will not be based on the performance in those three tournaments alone.
According to him, the selectors would watch the performance of young players and decide on which shuttlers needed to be supported for future international events and how they are faring against foreign players.
"I feel the domestic tournaments will become more competitive and the top players will be on their toes", he said. "There is a gap between the current top players and next line of players. So, the complacency will go and everybody will be on their toes'.
Vimal said Indian players stand to gain from international participation.
"Their style of play is different. We play slightly to European style of badminton - a little slow and more strokes - but they are quicker and they tend to hit the shuttle a lot more down. It will really help our players, to be more alert on the courts.
"Younger lot of players will also get inspired. Otherwise, only certain number of players are able to play and watch international badminton. They (younger lot) will know where they stand in international badminton".