Eleven aspiring national umpires from four countries – Iran, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan – are currently attending an umpires upgrading course in Islamabad, Pakistan.
The three-day course held in conjunction with the Yonex Sunrise Pakistan International Series began on Monday and will end on Wednesday (Nov 6-8) and includes, both, theory and practical.
The practical will be held during the four-day Yonex Sunrise Pakistan International Series which begins at the Liaqat Pakistan Sports Complex in Islamabad from Nov 9-12.
The course is conducted by Ms Yau Lin Na of Malaysia.
The umpires, who are top national umpires in their respective countries, are made up of two each from Iran and Nepal, one from Sri Lanka while hosts Pakistan have six candidates. An umpire from Bangladesh was forced to cancel his participation after running into visa snags.
The course is is the first step for the umpires towards becoming a full fledged and a registered Badminton Asia umpire as the Asian badminton body continues to "expand its base for qualified umpires" in the region in its bid to further promote the game of badminton.
Countries who are not in the same class as badminton giants and powerhouse like China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China, continue to be on the Badminton Asia's radar for "assistance" in their development programmes.
"Having qualified umpires and officials is the only way to help promote and develop the game further in the right perspective. The game has to be played according to the rules and regulations of the sport," said Kenny Goh, Badminton Asia's Chief Operating Officer.
