Jaipur: History will be made at the Yonex-Sunrise All India Sub-Junior Ranking Badminton tournament, slated to be held in the Pink City from October 1 to 9. This will be the first time that women will umpire all matches. Previous tournaments have featured both men and women as umpires.Rajasthan Badminton Association and organising secretary KK Sharma stated that the Badminton Association of India, along with hosting the tournament, has also entrusted the Rajasthan Badminton Association with the responsibility of conducting a seminar for women umpires.This is the first time that women attending the seminar will also umpire the tournament. He added that the umpiring seminar began on Monday.On the first day, World Badminton Federation’s Fine C Dathan, who has officiated at the Tokyo Olympics, provided detailed information on badminton rules, while Asian Badminton Umpire Ravi Dixit explained clothing regulations and score sheets.He added that 45 women from across the country have come to attend the three-day seminar. We had received information about 46 women participating in the seminar.However, one representative from West Bengal withdrew. Neetu Rani Suthar, Chandrakala Riya, and Vanshika Satu from Rajasthan are also participating. Following the seminar, Grade 2 theoretical and practical exams will be held.He added that court laying for the tournament was completed on Monday at the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium. Technical committee officials, including Badminton Association of India referee Lokesh Soni, who has also officiated at the international level, national-level referee Trilok Shukla, and Grade 1 umpire Vineet Sharma, reviewed the preparations. The competition will feature singles, doubles, and mixed doubles matches for boys and girls in the Under-15 and Under-17 categories. Players will begin arriving on Tuesday.
