Shuttlers begin challenge today

The Yonex-Sunrise Bangladesh International Challenge will get underway at the Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Indoor Stadium today, with all Bangladeshi shuttlers except Salman Khan taking part in the qualifying round of the six-day tournament.

Some 168 shuttlers, including 56 female players from 19 countries, will be vying in five events -- men’s singles and doubles, women’s singles and doubles and mixed doubles -- in the 25,000 US dollar prize-money tournament. Bangladesh Badminton Federation president Abdul Malek disclosed the details at a press conference in the headquarters of the local game’s governing body.

A total of 12 male and eight female shuttlers will represent Bangladesh.

After the completion of the senior competition, another competition featuring junior shuttlers will be held from December 17 to 22 with 26 local players, including 10 female shuttlers, taking part.