According to a report, Pullela Gopichand would like to compete for the position of secretary general of BAI.© AFP
India’s head coach, Pullela Gopichand, is likely to run for the post of secretary general when the Badminton Association of India (BAI) holds its elections on March 25. Gopichand, who led Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu to bronze and silver medals in the Olympics, is expected to submit his nomination for the position on Thursday. “Gopichand is fighting for the position of general secretary and will likely apply for nomination tomorrow,” a BAI source familiar with the development told PTI.
However, under the BAI’s constitution, only outgoing office holders or a member of the outgoing Executive Committee are eligible for election for the post of Secretary General and Gopichand does not meet these criteria.
“The Hon. Gen. Secretary shall be elected by the Council from among its members and provided that only the outgoing office holders or the members of the outgoing Executive Committee are eligible to contest the election for the post of Hon Gen. Secretary,” reads the statement. constitution. †
Candidates can submit a nomination from March 9-11, while the last date for withdrawal of nomination is March 17-19. The returning officer will draw up the final list of contenders on March 20. One of the country’s most successful coaches, 48-year-old Gopichand is known for wearing multiple hats and has often brought him into conflict of interest debate. over the years.
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Besides head coach, Gopichand is also secretary of Telangana Badminton Association, member of the selection committee and runs a private academy in Hyderabad.
Himanta Biswa Sarma is expected to be re-elected as president, while Ajay Singhania, the current general secretary of BAI, is unlikely to run for a second term.
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