PRESIDENT of the Trinidad and Tobago Badminton Association (TTBA), Reno Singh has appealed for two critical elements to be implemented to ensure the development of the sport.
Singh called on the relevant authorities to assist in finding a permanent home for badminton in TT and a foreign coach.
He explained that these two areas have been plaguing the badminton community.
“Badminton needs a home in Trinidad and Tobago and the inclusion of a foreign-based coach. Once we can at least get a permanent residence for the sport, we can even try for ourselves to raise funds and get corporate sponsors to assist us in bringing in a foreign coach,” stated Singh.
The TTBA president explained that a badminton home would allow players to train freely since they always have to compete with other sporting disciplines for the use of the Chaguanas Regional Indoor Sporting Arena. Singh was grateful for being allowed to use the facility, but added that various other advantages would emerge if badminton obtained a permanent facility. “If we have a home for our sport we can host our own tournaments without hassle. We can have training sessions, conduct seminars and have one-on- one time with developing players. We have also been asked to host the CAREBACO (Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation) tournament next year. From how it looks at this stage, we may not be able to host such a tournament because we have no permanent residence,” continued Singh.
He stated that a foreign coach would benefit local squash players.
“At the Pan Am, countries like Ecuador, USA, Canada and Peru had outsourced coaches giving them critical tips and motivational pointers that proved to be critical during their on-court play. This gave them a greater advantage over us. It’s not like we don’t have the talent...we do, we have great players here. But the implementation of a foreign coach would surely enhance our players’ overall standard and general mind-set,” added Singh. He continued, “The addition of such a coach would create more strategic play, a wider and international variety of ideas and motivation for younger enthusiasts to join the sport of badminton.
I also learnt from my Pan Am experience that the Caribbean players are still a bit behind on the circuit. This is solely due to these two critical elements that we in Trinidad and Tobago are still lacking.”
Singh said the current crop of players are always improving and always willing to learn. He explained that they are currently seeking players to participate in this year’s CAREBACO tournament which serves off in Barbados from August 28 to September 3.
The TTBA president was also confident in the squad’s current form and expectant to medal in this year’s competition. He said, “We want to get badminton back to where it was in Trinidad and Tobago. This country was known for its top players and keen involvement on the international stage. The inclusion of a home for badminton and a foreign coach would significantly assist us in our rise back to the top. With the proper resources, we would definitely re-elevate badminton in this country.”
Source: www.newsday.co.tt
By JONATHAN RAMNANANSINGH