Beijing Olympics-bound shuttlers Anup Sridhar and Saina Nehwal's participation in the first Tata Open badminton tournament, to be held in Mumbai from July 27-31, is in doubt.
While the former is nursing an injury, the latter is still to confirm her entry.
"Anup sprained his ankle on Saturday while practising in Bangalore and has been advised four to five days' rest. Hopefully, he will be available to play," said Indian badminton legend Prakash padukone in Mumbai on Monday, adding "Saina Nehwal has not yet confirmed her participation."
The tournament, carrying Rs 500,000 in prize-money, is being organised by the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy, which has struck up a sponsorship deal with Tata Motors Finance and Tata Capital for three years.
As part of the tie-up, the badminton ace's academy has been renamed Tata Padukone Badminton Centres, with Bangalore and Pune already up and running, and Mumbai next on the list, said Romi Chaterji, Senior Vice-President (Corporate Affairs), Tata Services.
Other top shuttlers who will be seen in singles action in the tournament at the Bombay Gymkhana are former national champion Chetan Anand, Arvind Bhat, Anand Pawar, Ajay Jayram, P Kashyap, in the men's draw, and Trupti Murgunde, Aditi Mutatkar, Gauatri Vartak and B R Meenakshi in the women's.
Competition will also be held in men's and women's doubles and mixed doubles.
The men's and women's singles winners will receive Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively while the corresponding doubles champions will get Rs 60,000 and 35,000.
