Chandrika Ramsubhag is the new president of the T&T Badminton Association (TTBA).
He was elected unopposed at Friday’s virtual election of the TTBA. Afterwards, he said he was humbled by the confidence shown in him and his executives, adding: “But now the work starts.”
His first order of business was to meet with his executives on Sunday, all of whom were also elected unopposed, to chart the way forward for the sport. Ramsubhag will also meet next week with former acting president Navin Gayapersad for the official handing-over process, as well as to find out where badminton stands, financially.
He told Guardian Media Sports his intention is not to take away from what already exists in the badminton account but to add to it, as he will lobby with corporate T&T to fund their programmes.
Ramsubhag, who entered the sport of badminton only because of the involvement of his son, said the sport was truly in need of a change, judging from what they saw in the past.
He will be supported by an equally hard-working team of vice president Deepak Dawar, who is the president of the Oxford Badminton Club, secretary Anand Jaggernath, assistant secretary Chris Awong, treasurer Rhea Khan, trustee Allan Ayoung, president of the La Joya Badminton Club, and Derwin Renales (trustee), a former president of the sport.
The sport has not been active locally for well over two years, due to the shutdown of sports because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is believed that a lot of administrative work could have been done during that time, to strengthen the sport and make it more organised.
Ramsubhag said from discussions with clubs and executives from the previous administration, they have identified that a home for the sport is most needed.
He added that they will try to get a facility that will be dedicated to the sport of badminton alone.
“At present, we share the National Racquet Centre with other sports, so if we put down mats at the facility for matches on any given day, we will have to remove them right after to allow other sports to use the facility,” Ramsubhag said, recently.
That facility is being sought in the vicinity of the Ato Boldon Stadium, National Aquatic Centre and the National Cycling Centre in Balmain, Couva.
Ramsubhag also promised they will make badminton gear more available and affordable for players, as well as implement a programme for students of the primary schools to be developed and scouted for future national selection.
