Mumbai: The Season 4 of Vodafone Premier Badminton League (PBL), beginning here from Saturday, promises to be a notch higher from the previous editions with the foray of Pune 7 Aces, making it in a 9-team affair. The upcoming edition of the world’s richest badminton league will feature an impressive total of 90 players from 17 nations, that includes eight Olympic medalists, 8 players ranked in top 10 vying for the top honours and the coveted PBL trophy.
The 23-day extravaganza, which is organised by Sportzlive under the aegis of Badminton Association of India will be played across five venues, with Ahmedabad and Pune hosting matches for the first time.
Speaking on the eve of fourth season’s opener, BAI President Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “PBL has gotten bigger with every season and the growth in the fan-following of the sport serves as a testament to it. With an objective to unearth and cultivate more talents, PBL has been really clinical in providing a platform to the youngsters and preparing them for the journey ahead. The league provides a unique opportunity, with some of the biggest names sharing the court with the youngsters, which in turn provides them with a steady learning curve.”
Speaking on playing for the debut franchise, Pune 7 Aces this season, 2018 World Champion Carolina Marin said, “I love coming to India and playing PBL. Two years of playing for Hyderabad has been very special and looking forward to my journey with the Pune 7 Aces. As for the match against (PV) Sindhu, both of us will want to win our tie. My job is to play to the best of my ability and I will certainly give her no room.”
The 2016 Olympic champion had helped Hyderabad hunt down the title last year and will have no qualm to compete against it this time.
And Sindhu will want to square off with Marin to renew the battle as the Indian would be keen to continue her sublime form after her recent title-winning performance in the World Tour Finals. The Hyderabad Hunters will certainly look up to Sindhu, who is on her homecoming advent, to help them defend their title in the new season. And a matchup between her and Marin will be the right fodder to the appetite of fans of both the players.
“Playing for my home team is special. We are the defending champions and I realize my responsibility to carry forward the winning habit,” said Sindhu.
Saina talks up hectic schedule
The PBL starting here on Saturday, is being held at the end of the year after a hectic season and at times it does affect the players’ bodies, feels star Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal.
“Everyone gives their 100 per cent, that’s for sure, and wants to win. But it’s the end of the year and sometimes it gets to the body. It’s not easy for all the players. It’s one of the toughest tournaments, but everyone gives their best,” said Saina at a PBL pre-season 4 media conference here.
