Thaindian News

New Delhi, June 5 (IBNS) Former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin Saturday said he would contest for the president’s post in the Badminton Association of India (BAI) elections slated for June 13 in Chennai.
“Though I had been a cricketer, I always wanted to do something for a different sport. Since I remained a keen follower of badminton throughout my life, I decided to join this sport,” said Azharuddin, a Congress MP from Moradabad.

Azharuddin will be pitted against V.K.Verma, who has been the BAI president for the last 12 years.

Asked whether his decision is being backed by sports minister M.S. Gill, Azharuddin said: “No, my decision to contest has nothing to do with the government. All I did was to convey my decision to MS Gill. I respect the sports minister because of his positive attitude.”

But Azharuddin made it clear that he was in favour of the ministry’s controversial decision to cap the tenure of bosses of all national sports federations.

“I support the government guidelines which say that no principle officer bearer of a national sports federation should hold the office for more than 12 years. It will be good for all sport. We need government support for everything. I personally believe that the government and the federations should work in tandem,” he said.

“I could have joined cricket administration also. However, cricket, now, is well looked after. I am not joining badminton for name and fame. I really want to promote the sport,” Azharuddin said.

When asked whether he was unhappy with the BAI administrators, Azharuddin said: “Not really, but things can be better there. I realised it during the last hockey World Cup. Because of poor administration, our team suffered. If things were in order, the Indian team could have done much better.”