XXIXth PSPB Badminton Tournament

The XXIXth  PSPB Badminton tournament, hosted by GAIL,  was inaugurated on 17th March, 2008 by Dr. U.D. Choubey, CMD GAIL. The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Dr. Choubey, CMD, Shri M.R. Hingnikar, Director  (HR), Shri Santosh Kumar, Director (Proj.), Shri A.K. Purwaha, Director (BD), Shri B.C. Tripathi, Dir (Mktg.) and Advisor of PSPB Shri V.K. Bawa

Shri M.R. Hingnikar, Director (HR) and Chairman, GAIL Sports Promotion Board, extended a warm welcome to all participating teams and guests present on the occasion. In his welcome address, Shri Hingnikar traced the origins of the game of badminton from the times it was first played and the modern form of badminton when it was played by the british sahibs for relaxation.

Dr. U.D. Choubey, CMD, GAIL who was the  Chief Guest of the occasion, in his keynote address, spoke at  length about the role played by PSPB as one of the key organizations promoting sports in India and the players par excellence who have brought laurels to the country at different international events. While congratulating them on their performances, he said "Sports are great but greater is the sportsmanship because the true spirit of it lies in being not scared of being defeated and the true sportsman is the one who is always ready to take on the challenges with the sole objective of winning.” The parting shot from CMD was now famous clarion call 'Chak De' GAIL.

An exhibition match between Dr. U.D. Choubey , CMD, GAIL  and ace player Chetan Anand  from ONGC was also played to formally kickstart the tournament

The tournament to be held between 17- 21 March  will feature some of the most well-known names in the badminton circuit in India like P Gopichand(IOCL), Saina Nehwal (BPCL) Chetan Anand (ONGC) and others.

The programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Shri C.A. Rashid, GM (HR).