NEW DELHI(PTI): Indian fans will be treated to a week of excel lent badminton when top shuttles of the world descend in New Delhi this September to compete for the World Cup.

It is an additional honor for India which is hosting the prestigious tournament for the first time since its most successful shuttle Prakash Padukone won the title at the inaugural edition way back in 1981.

The Wills World Cup will be organized at the majestic Indira Gandhi indoor stadium of the national capital from September 1 5. Most of the world’s top shuttles are expected to provide a feast to Indian fans as they compete for the biggest prize money in the sport 16 hundred thousand U.S. dollars (Rs 53 lakhs).

He said the organizers, the Indian Tobacco Company (ITC) ITC Lid, have decided to donate a part of the gate collection to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.

Ahmed said the international badminton federation has been kind enough to allow India one wild card entries each in all five events men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles.

The BAI president said the IBF usually allowed only two wildcard entries to the hosts but “they (IBF) have shown special concession to India.”

Around 68 players are expected to take part in the five day tournament.

Article extracted from this publication >>July 2, 1993