BOP Group bags IBL's Bangalore franchise

BOP Group, a leading real estate consultant in India, bagged the Bangalore franchise 'Banga Beats' of the $1 million Indian Badminton League (IBL) here Wednesday.

Speaking about the association, BOP Group managing director Amit Mavi said: "Badminton has brought huge laurels for India in the past. The IBL has the potential to recapture the interest of the masses through achievements of stars like Saina Nehwal, Jwala Gutta, Ashwini Ponnappa and others."

Speaking on BOP Group's successful bid to own the Bangalore franchise, Sporty Solutionz CEO Ashish Chadha said: "I'm delighted to cement IBL's association with the BOP Group and congratulate them for bagging the Bangalore franchise."

IBL is an initiative of the Badminton Association of India (BAI) with Sporty Solutionz as the Commercial Partner.

Speaking on this occasion, BAI president Akhilesh Das Gupta said: "Bangalore is one of the hotbeds for nurturing badminton and it surely deserves a great franchise. BOP Group's association with the IBL will go a long way in promoting the sport and inspiring millions of youngsters to take up the sport."

Olympian and former national champion U. Vimal Kumar was named the chief coach of Banga Beats. As a player, Kumar won the French Open in 1983 and 1984 and the Welsh International Open in 1988 and 1991. He also went on to become India's national chief coach. Kumar represented India at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and was ranked in the world top-20.

Former international Vijay Lancy has been appointed as the CEO of Banga Beats.

IBL kicks off Aug 14 and will run for 18 days. Six franchises will host a two-day leg and the league will showcase a grand total of 90 matches. The top four franchises will clash in the semifinals and the winners will meet in the final Aug 31 in Mumbai.