210 players from 9 countries to participate in Tata Open India International Challenge 2015

The annual tournament will take place at the Cricket Club of India (CCI). The qualifying rounds of the tournament will be held on December 9, 2015 and the main draw will be from December 10, 2015, with finals taking place on December 13, 2015.  Won Kyu Cho from Korea will be the referee for the tournament.

In the Men's Singles category, the Indian contingent will be led by Sameer Verma (world no. 53) and Anand Pawar (world no. 71). The line-up of international players feature Joo Ven Soong of Malaysia (world no. 85) and Khosit Phetpradab of Thailand (world no. 95), among others. There are many young Koreans, Malaysians and Indians in the fray to challenge the seeded players.

In the Women's Singles category, Jing Yi Tee of Malaysia (world no. 30) is the top seed followed by Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand (world no. 39). Saili Rane (world no.52) and P.C. Thulasi (world no.80) from India along with international players like Chiew Sien Lim (world rank no. 100) and Yen Mei Ho (world rank no. 109) from Malaysia promise a thrilling battle at this year’s competition. 

In the Men’s Doubles category, Thien How Hoon and Khim Wah Lim from Malaysia are seeded at no. 1, and India’s Pranaav Jerry Chopra and Akshay Dewalkar are seeded at no. 2. The tournament will also see Thailand and Malaysian players, who will make a bid for the title.

In Women’s Doubles, Chaladchalam Chayanit and Phataimas Muenwong from Thailand along with Yin Loo Lim and Meng Yean Lee of Malaysia are the top two seeded teams.

This year participant countries include India, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Vietnam. India will be represented by a strong contingent of 144 players followed by Malaysia with 28 players, Singapore with 14 players, Thailand with 9, Indonesia with 8, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal with 2 participants each, and Vietnam with 1 player.

The tournament, which is a part of the international circuit of badminton tournaments that earns ranking points for players, is organised under the patronage of Maharashtra Badminton Association (MBA) and Badminton Association of India and is also sanctioned by Badminton World Federation (BWF) and Badminton Asia Confederations (BAC).

Speaking on the association, Prakash Padukone, Director, Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy, said, “India is gaining momentum in terms of sports and there has been a positive vibe all around badminton. Sports always teaches one the right spirit to compete, which is applicable in every walk of life. We (PPBA) are delighted to be a part of the Tata family for the eighth year in succession as this helps us to set up a great platform for the budding badminton talent who are keen to establish themselves.”

Suprakash Mukhopadhyay, Chairman, Tata Sports Club, said, “The Tata Open India International Challenge in association with Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA) endeavours to nurture young talent in badminton from across the globe. The tournament reinforces the Tata group’s commitment to support and inspire the culture of sports. The Challenge will bring to life the true sportsman spirit, with participation from over 200 players across nine countries. Together with our partners, sponsors and players the Tata Open has become a much anticipated event in the sporting calendar of the country and we look forward to it growing in strength with each passing year.”

Avijit Bhattacharya,Chief Human Resources Officer  & Head – Corporate Sustainability, Tata Capital, said, “The Tata Open is a unique initiative that not only gives talented players a chance to showcase their skills but also puts the sport of badminton itself on a larger platform. We are delighted to support the Tata Open for the 8th year running as well as work with the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy who has been committed to the development of the sport. We believe that with continued corporate support, badminton can truly move into the mainstream arena.”