London Olympics bronze medalist Saina Nehwal will be the star attraction at the Odisha Open Super 100, the state’s first-ever international tournament hosted by the Badminton World Federation, which starts here from Tuesday .
Saina was seeded first in women’s singles while Parupalli Kashyap is the top seed in men’s singles at the tournament which will be played at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.
More than 300 players from 17 countries participate in this tournament. The event begins with the qualifying round on Tuesday and will run until January 30.
The tournament, a BWF event, is jointly organized by the national department of sports and youth services, the Badminton Association of India and its unit Odisha.
“It is a matter of pride for our state to host such a prestigious sporting event,” said Odisha Sports Minister TK Behera.
As the tournament is being held under COVID-19 guidelines, no spectators will be allowed into the stadium.
COVID-19 tests of all players, technical officials and volunteers were carried out, after their arrival here. Only those found negative for COVID-19 will be allowed to enter the stadium.
The matches would be played in five categories: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles.
“About 350 players from 17 countries around the world will participate in five events of this tournament, in which there was a toral prize of US$75,000,” said Girish Nattu, assistant chief referee of the tournament.
“I am happy that the organizers have made excellent arrangements to make this international badminton tournament a great success and I am sure that many more such tournaments will be held in Odisha in the days to come,” Nattu added. .
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