PBL: Anup Sridhar appointed coach of Awadhe Warriors

The 32-year old starts his coaching career by serving as coach of the Lucknow-based Awadhe Warriors team, which will feature World No. 2 Saina Nehwal, in the upcoming Premier Badminton League (PBL).

'This is my first stint as a coach and I am excited on how things turn out for me': Anup Sridhar

Former international shuttler Anup Sridhar will start his coaching stint with the Lucknow-based franchisee Awadhe Warriors in the Premier Badminton League starting on January 2nd. Sridhar, who captained the 2007 Thomas Cup team, is excited at the prospect of coaching players of the Lucknow team, which includes World No. 2 Saina Nehwal.

“I am honored to be part of the Awadhe Warriors team and look forward to coach players like Saina Nehwal and the rest,” said Sridhar, who had contested in the men’s singles event at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

“This is my first stint as a coach and I am excited on how things turn out for me. This will be a good platform for me to prove myself as an International coach,” added the 32-year-old, who is remembered for his historic win over Former World No. 1, Taufiq Hidayat. Sridhar, who won a bronze medal in mixed team event at 2006 Commonwealth Games, had played for Pune Pistons at the inaugural Indian Badminton League in 2013. He won his only match played in the entire season against the then World No. 8 Hu Yun, who represented Banga Beats.

'Versatile player'

Speaking on the occasion, Abhijit Sarkar, Director, Awadhe Warriors, Sahara India, said: “Anup has proved himself on the badminton arena as a brilliant player and is known as an extremely versatile player.

“Hence, getting him on board as a coach was an easy decision because we are looking up to him to showcase the same versatility as a coach as well. We are confident that he will be a huge boost to the entire team and will guide them to the path of victories.”

The Awadhe Warriors had finished as the runners-up in the 2013 IBL after losing the finals to Hyderabad Hotshots. Dr. Akhilesh Das Gupta, President, Badminton Association of India and Chairman PBL, said: “We are happy for Anup Shridhar and wish him luck for being a successful coach. He has proved himself to be a great player and Awadhe Warriors can take learnings from his huge experience and put to play during the League.”

The Premier Badminton League is all set to kick-start on 2nd January with some high-voltage action expected between Mumbai Rockets and Awadhe Warriors. The League will be telecast live on Star Sports.