It used to be "Unity and Progress" before but Badminton Asia is now living up to its present motto "ÜNITED and CONNECTED" as a group of budding umpires converged in Yangon, Myanmar for the Asian body's Umpires Appraisal Course (Badminton Asia Accredited to Badminton Asia Certification) 2017 course from Oct 1-9.
A total of 12 candidates from Bangladesh, Indonesia, China, Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, Bahrain, Japan, India and Thailand are in the bustling city.for the course which spells a lot for their badminton career in umpiring in the shuttle sport.
The upgrading course is held in conjunction with Badminton Asia's Under-17 and Under-15 Junior Championships that begin on Wednesday (Oct 4-8) at the National Indoor Stadium (1) in Thu Wan Na, Yangon.
The 12 candidates will come under the watchful eyes of course conductors cum assessors Mr. Sudhakar Vemuri of India and Mr Steve Cheng from Hong Kong China.
"The purpose of the course, which consists of theory and practical, is to pick the best for upgrading as Badminton Asia continues to build its pool of umpires for the various tournaments held in the Asian Continent.
"This course is a vital link for the umpires. They will be appraised, both, in theory and practical. The classes began today (Monday Oct 2). Their practical will be during the tournament proper.
"Those who make the grade are eligible and qualify to go for an upgrading for Badminton Asia Certification Course 2018 in Wuhan, China," said Kenny Goh, Chief Operating Officer of Badminton Asia.