Laos to host international badminton tournament

Laos will host the Lao International Series from October 31 to November 5. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Lao Badminton Federation and the Badminton Association of Thailand, local media have reported.

According to the MoU signed on Sunday, the two organisations will jointly hold the tournament, during which Laos will also stage cultural events and arrange tours for visitors to various parts of the country, reports Xinhua news agency.

The series will be attended by badminton players from around the world, who will be looking to gain points to improve their rankings.

The event will also be an opportunity for Laos players to develop their skills. Top Laotian badminton players are scheduled to attend a training camp in Thailand alongside Thai players, according to a report by the Vientiane Times.

Meanwhile, Thai players will also have an opportunity to attend a training camp in Vientiane before they play in the competition.

The Lao Badminton Federation plans to spend $50,000 on the series, while the Badminton Association of Thailand will provide a cash prize of $8,000 for the winners of each event, assist in organising the competition, and run a training course for Lao referees before they take part in the event.

--IANS

ajb/vt