IBL names Under-19 players for five franchises

The Indian Badminton League has named Under-19 players for five of its franchises, in addition to those picked at the auction.

According to IBL rules, each franchise had to pick an India Under-19 player, who will be the 11th player in the respective squads.

- Indian Badminton League schedule

Mumbai Masters named Harsheel Dani, ranked No. 2 in the Under-19 boys’ singles category as their 11th player for the IBL 2013.

Dani won the Under-19 boys’ singles title in the National Championship in Imphal.

Krrish Delhi Smashers included Utkarsh Arora, a gold medallist in the boys’ singles and bronze medallist in the team event in the 2012 National School Games, in Pune.

Pune Pistons selected Revathi Devasthale, a five-time Maharashtra captain and state under-17 singles winner twice.

Hyderabad Hotshots enlisted C Rahul Yadav, 16, the sub-junior National champion in 2012.

Yadav is currently ranked No 2 in the Under-17 and No 4 in Under-19.

Banga Beats selected Daniel Farid, winner of the U-17 All India Junior ranking tournament 2013 at FNCC, Hyderabad.

Farid was bronze medallist in the Under-15 in ANA Asian Badminton Championship 2011.

The sixth franchisee, Awadhe Warriors (from Lucknow), is in the process of finalising their 11th player and the name will be announced shortly.

The players were chosen by each franchisee from their catchment area. After zeroing in on the final player for their respective team, the franchises then informed IBL Governing Council on their final choices.

Selected players:

Mumbai Masters: Harsheel Dani

Krrish Delhi Smashers: Utkarsh Arora

Pune Pistons: Revathi Devasthale

Hyderabad: C Rahul Yadav

Banga Beats: Daniel Farid.