JUBAIL, 29 April 2004 — The two-day Federation Cup 2004 Open Badminton Doubles Tournament, set to open at Dhahran School Gyms today, began with three exhibition matches on Tuesday in Jubail. It was officially opened with the launch of Badminton Federation’s brochure brought out in collaboration with Dhahran Badminton Association, at the local International Indian School
The three doubles exhibition matches proved enthralling to the capacity crowd with the players treating the fans to some brilliant stroke play.
The first exhibition match was between Gopi Chand, all-England Champion 2001 and Arjuna Award winner, and Rupesh Kumar against Marcos Bristow and Jaseel P. Ismail. Gopi and Rupesh took on Sanave Thomas and Suneet Sebastian in the second match. The third match was between Rupesh Kumar and Marcos Bristow against Jaseel P. Ismail and Sanave Thomas.
Badminton Federation Saudi Arabia has appreciated the participation of international players in the tournament. The Indian squad has eight players. Other international Indian players include SAF games gold medalists and India No. 1 players — Rupesh Kumar, Marcos Bristow, Jaseel P. Ismail Sanave Thomas, Thomas Kurien, Anup Sridhar and Jose George.
Besides, current international players like Wajid Ali, Pakistan’s No. 1 Singles player, Ahsan Qamar, and Waqas Ahmed from Pakistan also are participating in this event, which will be held at Dhahran School Gyms today and tomorrow. The Pakistani players were due to arrive late Wednesday night, according to George Puthenmadhom, president of the executive council of the federation.
Over 300 players who form an important cross-section of the community will be taking part in eight levels of the game form novices to premier levels.
A top-level professional group comprising former international stars will supervise the administrative and technical side of the event.
Major sponsors of the event are Saudi Formaldehyde Chemical Company Ltd. and B.J. Services, Air-India, Y.B.A. Kanoo.
