Akhilesh Das Gupta unanimously re-elected as BAI President

Lucknow: Badminton Association of India (BAI) president Akhilesh Das Gupta was on Monday unanimously re-elected for a four-year term, starting June 2014, as he was the only one to have filed the nomination for the post. Secretary Vijai Sinha and treasurer Ashok Bajaj were also unanimously re-elected in a clear mandate to the current leadership.

With most office bearers elected without a contest, polling will take place only for the post of secretary - coaching and development where Bihar Badminton Association secretary K N Jaiswal will take on Assam Badminton Association secretary Omar Rashid on January 25.

Das Gupta's dynamic leadership and players centric approach has already helped India bag its first Olympic medal in badminton apart from many international titles. And the former national-level player is determined to take Indian badminton to the next level in his first full term.

Addressing the media on today, BAI President said, "The unanimous verdict to back me for another term is a sign of trust and faith the association has in me. Since I took over as the president, I have worked towards uniting all the stakeholders and the results have been showing on and off the field."

Das Gupta had taken over the reign of BAI midway through the last term after the arrest of incumbent V K Verma over corruption charges and was entrusted the role of restoring the organisation's pride and glory. In the last two years, India has bagged the rights to host marquee BWF events like the 2014 Thomas/Uber Cup and the Super Series, while the ongoing Syed Modi international was upgraded to a Grand Prix gold status.

However, the high point of his reign came when the BAI successfully organised the cash-rich Indian Badminton League in August last year. "We did a lot in the short period we had. But responsibilities and stakes will be much higher now. With Indian badminton in spot light at home and abroad, BAI would do everything to put up a grand show. The immediate challenge is to make a statement on the court as well as on the organisation front when we host the India Super Series and the Thomas/Uber Cup in a few months time," he said.

Das Gupta said BAI would constitute a special fund of Rs 25 lakh for former players' assistance. "This is one of the concrete step we have taken and is first-of-its-kind fund we have constituted and is part of our effort to help former players you need financial assistance," he said.