Sanjay Mishra will be the new general secretary of the Badminton Association, not Pullela Gopichand

India's chief national coach Pullela Gopichand has decided not to contest for the post of general secretary of the Badminton Association...

India's chief national coach Pullela Gopichand has decided not to contest for the post of general secretary of the Badminton Association of India (BAI). Due to this, the coach of the junior team, Sanjay Mishra has become the unanimous choice for the post. On Friday, Gopichand filed his nomination for the post of vice-president, while Mishra filed his nomination for the post of general secretary. The elections are to be held on March 25. A source privy to the developments told PTI on condition of anonymity, "Gopichand has filed his nomination for the post of vice-president after considering all the aspects while Sanjay Mishra has now become the unanimous choice for the post of general secretary." Gopichand will take over as one of the 12 vice-presidents.

Outgoing secretary Ajay Singhania and Tamil Nadu Badminton Association president Anbumani Ramadoss will also take over as vice-president, while Arun Lakhani will be treasurer and Umar Rashid will take over as joint secretary. Himanta Biswa Sarma is set to be re-elected as the President. Friday was the last date for filing nominations of candidates. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is March 19. Earlier reports had said that Gopichand was in the race for the post of general secretary. However, questions were being raised about his eligibility as according to the constitution of BAI, only outgoing office-bearers or members of the outgoing executive committee are eligible to contest for the post of general secretary.