Panaji, The Goa Badminton Association launched its “Vision 2020 -24 document” during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) at a resort in the state on August 16, 2020.The document, an ambitious plan to broad base and raise the bar of badminton in Goa, details 20 key components which the Goa Badminton Association will emphasize upon in a structured, realistic and practical manner in an attempt to elevate and popularize the sport.Narahar Thakur, who was earlier elected unopposed as the President of GBA, gave a brief preface on the plans.”Badminton has grown phenomenally in India and in Goa too, it is a rising sport. Few of our shuttlers have performed exceptionally well to reach National levels and the next few years will be crucial to us, to scout talent and nurture them. Goa has the potential to be among the top States in India in Badminton, Tanisha Crasto and Anura Prabhu Desai have shown the way. The Vision document gives a sense of purpose and direction to us. Our principal focus next four years will be on Coaching and Player development and all out efforts will be made to launch our own academy,” Mr Thakur, for whom this is his second term in office as the GBA head, said.Apart from the ambitious academy plans, the Vision document highlights several other key components. A Professional Badminton League on the lines of the hugely popular “Indian Premier Badminton League” will be an annual feature in the badminton Calendar. There are also plans to launch smaller city based mini-leagues. Air Badminton, a new format launched globally by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) in 2019, played in an outdoor area or on lawn or beach, will be an added attractive feature to popularize the game in villages and coastal areas.The Vision document mentions many more short term as well as long term objectives. Para Badminton and Inclusive participation which presents badminton as an inclusive sport for all, Enhancing Fan Base & Stakeholder engagement, Partnerships with Private and Corporate structures, Club development, Fund raising being few more of them.In addition there are few other components and commissions which will be created for boosting Workshops and Clinics, Technical Officer’s Development, Communications & Public Relations, Badminton Library, Awards & Recognitions, School Games, etc. The domestic tournament structure will also see a revamp with a 2 tier system at State Level, apart from District and Taluka level activities.