Former international shuttler Sridhar to coach team Awadhe Warriors in PBL

ANUP SRIDHAR WILL BEGIN HIS COACHING STINT with the Lucknow-based franchisee Awadhe Warriors in the Premier Badminton League starting on January 2nd. 

The former international shuttler during his playing days captained the 2007 Thomas Cup team said that he is excited at the prospect of coaching players of the Lucknow team, which also 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 had played for Pune Pistons in the inaugural season of Indian Badminton League in 2013. He won his only match that he played in the entire season against the then World No. 8 Hu Yun, who was from team Banga Beats. 

Abhijit Sarkar, the Director of  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 Warriors had finished as 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 learning's from his huge experience and put to play during the League." 

The Premier Badminton League will begin on 2nd January with some nerve-wrecking action expected between Mumbai Rockets and Awadhe Warriors. Star Sports is the official broadcast channel for the league.