Bahrain: Keraleeya Samajam is once again hosting the biggest badminton event that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has sanctioned, Bahrain International Challenge 2021. After a wait of two years internationally sanctioned badminton events are back to the shores of Bahrain. The BIC is the highest category event that is held on the island and this time it is bigger than ever with players finally being able to travel in the post pandemic scenario.The BKS has undertaken a massive restructuring to their arena with the largest wooden courts for Badminton in the island. There are five practice courts in the newly revamped hall undertaken at the cost of BHD40,000/-. The stage is truly set to host the BIC which carries world ranking points and cash prizes worth USD15,000/-.The event has been sponsored by Major Sponsors Alsharif Group WLL and Golden Wing Building Maintenance, Main Sponsors Kooheji Contractors, Spectrum Co. WLL, Alusol WLL, Tefco(The Essential Food Service Co.) and Indomie Instant Noodles, Co-Sponsors Kingdom Projects, Dhar Al Khaleej, Adwar Contracting, AlMarai and Coca Cola Medical Support – International Hospital. The return of the showcase badminton event in the island was not possible without the support of the sponsors who came forward wholeheartedly even after the financially difficult last few years. We are very grateful to all our sponsors and our members without whom this event is unimaginable.This year’s event has seen the biggest turnout in the tournament’s history with nearly 250 players from 25 countries. Players from Indonesia and India form the biggest contingents. The event has become truly global with participation from European countries like Belarus, Malta and Belgium to Central Asian countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan. This year we are even having a small contingent from across the Atlantic and pacific oceans with players from the United States of America and Australia. The remaining players are from Russia, Indonesia, Egypt, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Estonia, Maldives, Canada, Syria, Iraq, UAE, Pakistan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and South Africa.Over the five days the tournament will consist of Five events, Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. The draw for the event will first see qualifying matches and then the final 64 will go through the main draw in a knockout format. Owing to the large number of entries this time, there is a pool of reserve players who will be part of the draw in case of any withdrawals.The top seeds for the singles events are top 100 ranked players Sergey Sirant (Russia) and Aakarshi Kashyap (India) in men’s and women’s singles respectively. The doubles events will see top seeds from a range of countries including Sri Lanka, Belgium and Egypt. In the women’s singles a special mention for Bayrak Ozge (Turkey) a former champion, fan favorite and a regular fixture at our events.BKS President Mr. P.V. Radhakrishna Pillai, Mr. Ebrahim Kamal, Treasurer ( Bahrain Badminton and Squash Federation),BKS Entertainment Secretary Mr. Pradeep Patheri, BKS Indoor Games Secretary Mr. Paulson Lonappan, Bahrain International Challenge Tournament director Mr. Prasobh Ramanathan, Indoor Games Committee Convenor Mr. Mujeeb Rahman and Indoor Games Committee Member Mr. Vinod Vasudevan were attended the press conference which was held on 18th November 2021.
