The Indian Olympic Association has nominated Badminton Association of India (BAI) SecretaryKaranam Chenchu Punnaiah Choudaryas the official delegate from the Badminton Association of India to the Rio Olympics, according to a BAI release on Tuesday.
Known for his indefatigable efforts, this 75-year-old Bheeshmacharya of the badminton has been leading the State association as its general secretary for nearly three decades. His role in popularising badminton in Andhra Pradesh is praise-worthy.
His passion for the feather game made him explore new avenues and he qualified as a national umpire in 1981 and later, became India’s first international umpire in 1983 and officiated several international fixtures, including Thomas and Uber Cups.
Punnaiah will leave on August 5 to Argentina and Chile for a badminton development programme and will reach Rio on August 11.