Thomas, Uber Cup Finals to be held in India

New Delhi: India will for the first time host badminton`s two premier events, the Thomas and the Uber Cup finals, later in 2013.

Badminton Association of India (BAI) president Akhilesh Das Gupta Monday said "it is a proud moment for Indian badminton". "I take great pleasure in announcing it to the media that the Thomas Cup and the Uber Cup will be held in India for the first time ever. This is a huge achievement for us and we will do our best to host these tournaments," said Das Gupta during the India Open conference here on Monday. The Thomas Cup (Men`s World Team Championships) was first staged in 1948-49 while the Uber Cup (Women`s World Team Championships) was added in 1956-57. The Thomas Cup, held every three years, was Badminton World Federation`s (BWF) first major international tournament. The Uber Cup Finals have been held alongside the men`s competition since 1984 with both taking place biennially since then. IANS