City shuttlers, coaches happy to be back on court
| Date :11-Nov-2020 |
Kiran Makode (R) with his
international players Vaishnavi Bhale (L) and Rashi Lambe on other side of the net.
By Anupam Soni :
THE long wait is finally over for city shuttlers and the coaches. They were all happy to be at the place they all love...the badminton courts. State government and local administration had recently announced that many sporting activities including indoor badminton may start from Monday by adhering to certain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Amateur and professional players and coaches wasted no time and were back to training from Monday itself. Many coaches expressed their joy and relief while interacting with ‘The Hitavada’. Junior India coach Kiran Makode and his students were very happy to commence practice sessions at VBA.
“I started playing along with few of my students today. Since all of us are playing after a gap of almost seven months we have to be cautious about guarding ourselves from injuries. Slowly, we need to increase the intensity and load of our practice sessions. We are strictly following all the government guidelines and taking all necessary precautions,” Makode, who also did a Covid Safe Coaches Certification course during the lockdown period. Vaishnavi Bhale, who represented India in Uber Cup and Asian Team Championship and trains under Makode was upbeat.
“I was very excited to hit the court today. Although I am playing after a long gap, I was moving on the court very well and had no difficult in finding my rhythm.” Another international Rashi Lambe, who represented India in Junior World Championship held at Canada, said, “After hearing that badminton halls have reopened in other cities, I was eagerly waiting for courts to reopen in our city. Very happy to play again. I want to practice hard and become match fit as early as possible.”
It was a big relief for former multiple-time district champion and now a reputed coach Jayendra Dhole. “It’s a big relief for all badminton lovers and coaches, specially coaches like me whose only source of earning is coaching,” said Dhole. Dhole hoped that the number of players will rise post Diwali. “As players under the age of ten years are still not allowed, only ten-plus boys and girls have started training.
Not only professionals but amateurs too took to courts at Subhedar Hall on the opening day. (Pic by Anil Futane)
Presently about 20 players have enrolled. I have got a four-hour (4 to 8 pm) slot that will increase when most of players rejoin. Players are expected to join after Diwali or in December,” added Dhole, who started the proceeding on first day itself at the Subhedar Hall. The players are excited too. “Our academy student and national player Aasavari Khandekar started from today and she is extremely glad to be on the courts almost after eight months. Aasavari is hopeful of regaining top form within 15 days,” Dhole said. Players and coaches are strictly adhering to the guidelines. “We are strictly following the SOPs and are allowing only four players on one court.”
Chetak Khedikar, BWF Level One certified coach, has started training his wards at Dadasaheb Kannamwar Hall on AG College premises. “In the break of about seven months, the players were losing physical fitness and mental agility but all are happy now that the courts have been opened. But to avoid crowding, we have separate batches for beginners (4-5 pm) and advanced players (5-7 pm),” said Khedikar. “On first day there was a session regarding all the SOPs to be followed strictly. Players have to wear masks during entry and exit. After registering their names daily, the players will have to sanitise their hands and temperature will also be measured,” he informed. Khedikar also thanked the administration.
“I would like to thanks NMC, MBA , NDBA and Dr Shrigriwar of the college. for their support and efforts in getting things on the track.” “As a player I have been waiting eagerly to get on the court again. It’s very important for us to be physically and mentally fit.
I’m very happy to be back on the court again, working hard. We are ready to harder for the coming tournaments,” said upcoming player Nikkita Joseph, who trains under Khedikar.
City’s top player Malvika Bansod, who was included in the Indian squad for the Uber Cup that was ultimately postponed, is honing her skills under India’s chief junior national coach Sanjay Mishra at Raipur. Malvika also took part in the SaarLorLux Open that was held in Germany last month.