PESHAWAR: Pakistan will host Chinese badminton team for a five-match series in October-November this year at the Jinnah Sports Complex in Islamabad.

This was stated by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Badminton Association secretary and associate secretary of the Pakistan Badminton Federation (PBF) Haji Amjad Khan who was addressing at the inaugural ceremony of the fourth NBP Ranking Badminton Championship, which started here at Tariq Wadood Hall, Qayyum Sports Complex on Friday.

He said soon after Chinese team’s visit, talks were underway to have more visits from other South Asian association teams including Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, Bhutan and the Maldives.

About NBP Badminton Championship, he said its carrying four different categories including men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles.

It is in the history of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that any of the badminton events is carrying mixed doubles, he said, adding that a total of 56 male and 32 female players were vying for the honours.

After qualifying round in the male category, eight players moved to the main round of 24 players to complete a draw of 32 players for the men’s singles.

Amjad, who is also vice-president of the Pakistan Table Tennis Federaton, disclosed that in October-November Pakistan would host China’s badminton team for a five-match series.

He said after PBF’s agreement with world renowned Yonex Company, top 36 male and female players would be provided facilities along with complete gear including rackets, shuttles, shoes, tracksuits etc.

He said a camp in this connection was already in progress in Islamabad where top player Murad Ali of NBP was also training.

Earlier, in the opening match of the Ranking Badminton Championship, Masood Khan and Nadeem Khan of KP Police defeated Hayat and Uzair of Dera Ismail Khan 3-1 (21-19, 15-21, 21-18, 21-19).

In the women’s singles match, Arifa of Swabi blanked Yusra Khan of Mansehra 3-0 (21-15, 21-18, 21-19).—APP

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2015

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