LAHORE, May 20: Six countries have confirmed their participation in the Pakistan International badminton circuit being played during Nov 1-6 at Islamabad.

"India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Iran and Syria have confirmed their participation in the six-day premier activity ", said Aamir Hayat Khan Rokari, secretary Pakistan Badminton Federation (PBF) on Thursday.

He said these countries confirmed their participation at a recent general council meeting of the International Badminton Federation (IBF) held in Jakarta. Senior vice president, PBF, Syed Naqi Mohsin represented Pakistan in the meeting and held useful meetings with the officials of the Games Ruling Body and Asian Badminton Confederation (ABC)

He said it would be the first-ever IBF approved A grade badminton tournament being organized in Pakistan and the week-long tournament will offer cash prizes of US$9000. Rokari said Naqi also held meetings with the officials of the Indonesia, Japan and China badminton federations urging them to send their teams or players for the Pakistani circuit.

"They have promised to send at least two players and their participation will further enhance the image of the event making it more competitive", he said adding " their presence would be a great source of learning for the home players besides getting high profile experience and exposure".

PBF official said Naqi also extended invitations to some Central Asian States and European countries and it is likely that the tournament would be participated by at least ten countries.

Rokari said the Indonesia Badminton Federation has assured that they will send their leading coach to Pakistan on a year long contract to groom and train players. "It is a very useful development and the presence of a foreign coach will help boost the overall level of game in Pakistan.

"Naqi held meeting with the top officials of the IBF who assured their full technical support to PBF for the cause of the game in Pakistan by sending coaches and arranging training of players abroad in China where IBF is going to set an international training institution soon," he said.

He said the ABF has also promised to provide financial assistance to PBF to promote the game besides extending all out support to revive the game on modern lines.

Rokari said the known sports manufacturing company, Yonex, has singed a contract with PBF under which it would provide playing equipment and gear to the top four Pakistani players for a year. "It is a major breakthrough to attract foreign companies to support Pakistan badminton". -APP