New Delhi: Badminton Association of India (BAI) launched Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) prestigious school programme – Shuttle Time in Delhi on 24th September 2016. The program offers an excellent opportunity for amateur coaches, qualified school trainers and Physical Education (PE) teachers to improve their skills and get certified from the Badminton World Federation and Badminton Association of India.

Speaking on the occasion, Sports Authority of India Director-General Mr. Sai Injeti Srinivas stated: “Badminton Association of India has been working very proactively to promote the sport at all levels. Shuttle Time India is another effort from BAI to train Coaches and PE teachers at various schools, who will then nurture young talents at grassroots level. India has over 1.3 million schools and if each school has at least one PE Teacher who is expert in one sport, then we collectively can unearth more talents and foster young crops at a very initial stage.”

BAI President and Badminton Asia Confederation Vice-President Dr Akhilesh Das Gupta has played a huge role in bringing this program into the country, he said: “Badminton is on the rise in India and it is slowly gaining the popularity that was long overdue. This program will surely popularise the sport in this country and will increase the badminton participation in youngsters. PE Teachers and local coaches are the first ones who train future stars. At this level, young shuttlers must get right coaching at a right time. The programme will help PE teachers and coaches to learn the 'how-to' teach badminton to children and youth at grassroot level.”

This initiative’s long term vision is to promote the sport of badminton for school-going children and encourage them to take up the sport by teaching them badminton in a fun and engaging way. Keeping that aim in mind, the participants are provided valuable insights from BWF coaches and taught techniques which would keep the children interested in the sport.

From 19th to 27th September, Ludlow Castle School in New Delhi will host the teachers and participants of the Shuttle Time India program where the amateur school teachers will get a chance to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to plan and deliver safe and fun badminton lessons to children and youth. Overall, the program comprises Teacher’s Manual, Lesson plans and a range of instructional video clips.