Mrs. Dikshit and Kalmadi launch ticket sales for Delhi’s biggest badminton event since 1982

Chief Minister Mrs. Shiela Dikshit and Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi Chairman Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, MP, today launched the sale of tickets for the Yonex-Sunrise Badminton Asia Championship to be held at the state of the art DDA Siri Fort Badminton Stadium from 12 April 2010. It is the biggest badminton competition in the Capital since the 1982 Asian Games.

Mrs. Dikshit said she was confident the event would draw full houses, especially since India’s own Saina Nehwal is a big draw. “Last month, Delhi showed it loves top notch sporting events by supporting the FIH World Cup Hockey and the Commonwealth Boxing Championships. I am sure that the Badminton Asia Championships, featuring a lot of leading names, will also draw a terrific response,” she said. 

Mr. Kalmadi said he expected the Badminton Asia Championship to be a roaring success. “Badminton Association of India hosted the World Junior Championship in Pune and the World Championship in Hyderabad successfully. By bringing the Asian Championship as the test event for the Commonwealth Games 2010 Delhi, BAI has ensured that the sport stays in the public eye,” he said.

BAI President Mr. V. K. Verma pointed out that the ticket prices were pegged really low. “Given the fact that the world class players will be competing for honours in the event, we have pegged the ticket prices really low,” he said. “The prices range from Rs 50 to Rs 200 for the first two days, Rs 100 to Rs. 350 for the third and fourth days, Rs 150 to Rs 500 for the quafterfinals and semifinals and from Rs 300 to Rs 1500 on the final day.”

Bookmyshow.com has been identified as official ticketing agency. Tickets can be booked online by logging on to www.bookmyshow.com from 4.00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 30, 2010. The agency will setup a call centre (011-39895050) and will send SMS/e-mail alerts for updates on the Championship 2010.

Tickets will also be available for purchase at Café Coffee Day outlets near Siri Fort Sports Complex and across major areas in Delhi. CCD outlets at the following locations will have tickets for sale: Gargi College, Chanakyapuri, Greater Kailash I M-Block Market, Greater Kailash II M-Block Market, Lajpat Nagar, Ansal Plaza, South Extension II, Rajouri Garden, Connaught Place Inner Circle and Galleria Market (Gurgaon).