Bhubaneswar, April 20: A joint initiative to train and develop more badminton coaches in the state began in Rourkela with help from the Badminton Federation of India (BFI) and the Odisha State Badminton Association.

Shuttle Time, as the initiative is called, aims to enhance the bench strength of trainers, who, in turn, would develop more players.

"The aim is to create enough coaches at the grassroots level so that they can develop a good number of players, thus creating a bench strength for the country," said Pradeep Waldegra, a Badminton World Federation-appointed Sri Lankan coach. Waldegra will conduct the three-day coaching programme for the coaches.

The state association is bearing the expenses of the training that is being held at the National Steel and Power Corporation Limited (NSPCL) executive club.

"India has vast potential and the game is extremely popular here. Thanks to the number rising stars, the game starting to gain more acceptability and such programmes will help it further," said the Sri Lankan.

State association vice president Mihir Ray said Sambalpur and Baripada would host camps in future.

Physical education teachers of 30 schools, 15 each from government and private ones, are taking part. They are being taught the basics of the game, drills and physical exercises needed for beginners as well as theories about the sport.

"The world federation has provided us with a training manual and also designed the module," said Waldegra.

BFI co-ordinator A.A. Khurana said: "The coaches will be trained to become state-level coaches and Waldegra will choose those who progress to the next round."

Debuli Ratha, a participant from Deepika English Medium School, said: "We are enjoying and learning the advanced basics of the game."