BWF unlikely to introduce synthetic shuttlecocks next year

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is unlikely to go forward with its plans of introducing artificial shuttlecocks subsequent 12 months in worldwide tournaments within the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In January this 12 months, the world physique had accredited using artificial feather shuttlecocks at sanctioned worldwide tournaments of all ranges from 2021. The shuttlecocks at present in use are often made from goose or duck feathers.

However, Vikram Dhar, nation head Yonex Sunrise (India), feels the introduction is about to be delayed by one other 12 months because of the coronavirus outbreak which has pressured a suspension of all badminton tournaments, hitting the business arduous. “That will take time, it might take a year more,” Dhar informed PTI when requested if he sees the artificial shuttle being launched in 2021.

The first artificial shuttlecock, which is made from plastic as an alternative of precise feathers, accredited by BWF was developed with the technological cooperation of Yonex. The firm additionally dealt with testing of assorted prototypes in the course of the improvement part of the undertaking.

Talking in regards to the challenges forward, he stated: “There will not be many events or activities in next few months. Many academies and camps are not functioning properly now. So, overall industry will take a hit. It is a wait and watch situation for everyone.

“We have to see how market will behave, how competitive sports resumes again.” India’s chief nationwide coach Pullela Gopichand additionally feels it received’t be possible to introduce the artificial shuttle subsequent 12 months however he helps the brand new expertise.

“I think may be for the next Olympics I don’t know how feasible it would be to introduce it since we hardly have any time but I think we have to get synthetic shuttles in the long term,” Gopichand stated. “I know it is a problem at the moment but we need to go away from natural feather because we had in the past experienced H1N1. It will help the game overall, whenever it happens.”

The thought of shifting away from conventional feather shuttlecocks has additionally led to some considerations amongst gamers and coaches, who’re elevating questions on the standard of the artificial shuttles. Gopichand stated: “It will be a problem for players to adjust initially. It will change the game in some way which we are not sure of, whether it is an advantage or disadvantage for our country, we don’t know.

“But with all the problems also, I am for synthetic shuttles because natural feather is not a long term solution especially with the pricing, kind of regulations, so at some point of time we have to accept it. “It is basically a technology so one or two years down the line, it will behave better and we will produce better shuttles.” World Championships bronze-medallist B Sai Praneeth believes it’s going to give a bonus to attacking gamers.

“I don’t think they will introduce it next year now with the Olympics being postponed due to the coronavirus. They might start it from 2022,” he stated.

“…the quality of the sport will go down. You can’t control it, you can’t play a lot of strokes with synthetic shuttle. It will give advantage to attacking players. It will be tough to control. It will take lot of practice to get used to it.” India’s males’s doubles participant Chirag Shetty feels artificial shuttle is inevitable nevertheless it must be launched steadily within the worldwide circuit.

“…the process needs to be gradual so that players get used to it. If it is suddenly introduced in bigger events then it will affect the game.

“It can help attacking players, because it might be difficult to control. Attacking players will rush to the net and wait for the lift to score points.”