INDIAN COMPLETES A CLEAN SWEEP IN DHAKA
After completing a sweep of the team competition at the South Asian Games in the Bangladesh city of Dhaka over the weekend by beating Sri Lanka 3-0 in both the Men and Ladies events, India 
continued its domination in the Individual championships by posting both finalists in all the five disciplines.
Though not fielding some of its more reputed players like Saina Nehwal, Jwala Gupta, Arvind Bhat and Anup Sridhar, the Indians were still a potent force over their neighbours in the region.
The seven gold medal haul was excitedly welcomed by Indian coach Dipankar Bhattacharjee. “We were good throughout the tournament but to have had finalists in all the five disciplines in the individual championship was very welcome,” the coach was to remark at the conclusion of the badminton events at the SAF Games.
“I am extremely happy with the performance of the boys and girls. While winning the gold medals may have been expected , the wins, nevertheless will give the team the impetus and motivation to succeed in the forthcoming Thomas and Uber Cups preliminaries in Bangkok from 22nd to 28th February 2010.
Badminton Association of India joint-secretary Punnaiah Choudary described the win as encouraging ahead of the tough challenge in Bangkok. “The win is definitely a morale booster ahead of our campaign to qualify for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup Finals. The Asian qualifiers are tough as there will be many strong teams in Bangkok but the players are ready for the challenge and we are going to Bangkok on a positive note,” said Punnaiah. “
In the Asian qualifier for the Thomas Cup, India will have to compete with the likes of former champions Indonesia and Malaysia, Korea, Japan, and the new emerging forces in the sport - Taipei, Hong Kong, Thailand and Vietnam for the four places available to qualify to the Finals in Kuala Lumpur in May.
In the Uber Cup competition, India will have to contend with Japan, Indonesia, Korea, Taipei, Hong Kong and hosts Thailand for the three automatic slots. The fourth available slot will go to the team with the best world ranking amongst the fourth placed nations in Asia and Europe.
“We did not field several of our top players at the SAF Games but for the Thomas and Uber Cups campaign, our strongest lineup will be featured and we hope to make an impact,” said Punnaiah. “It will be tough but we are prepared to fight all the way to qualify and make the trip to Kuala Lumpur in May.”
The Indian squad for the Asian Qualifier will be made up of,
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