KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7: Pakistan and Iranian women teams are set to make historic Uber Cup outings during Thomas and Uber badminton Cup Asia Zone Qualifier in Jaipur, India, from Feb 15 to 19.

Asian Badminton Confederation (ABC) chief operating officer Karen Koh said participation of Iran and Pakistan women teams will be major boost to develop badminton in Muslim countries.

“This is first time Iran and Pakistan are sending women teams to compete in Uber Cup. It is certainly good news for outlook of world badminton,” she said on Tuesday.

Iran are in Group Y together with South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan while Pakistan have been drawn in Group Z and have Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore and host India for company.

Asia Zone qualifier is also set for significant competition as International Badminton Federation (IBF) are introducing 21-point system for first time in a major competition.

It will also be used for Thomas & Uber Cup finals in Japan from April 28 to May 7 and adopted for Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Every serve will result in a point. There will be no change of serves but best of three games format will remain.—PPI