Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Goa Badminton Association has issued a strong public advisory cautioning tournament organisers in the state against the unauthorized use of its official ranking system. The association has clarified that it has identified several privately run badminton events where GBA ranking points are being misused to bar or disqualify players, creating unfair barriers for athletes who participate in recognised competitions.
According to the association, its ranking structure was designed as an internal tool to seed players and regulate events under its own jurisdiction. It is not meant to serve as an exclusion mechanism for privately organised tournaments. Instances have surfaced where players who hold even minimal ranking points are being prevented from entering non affiliated events. The association has stated that such practices are arbitrary because points are awarded even from early rounds, which means the threshold for exclusion becomes unreasonable and indiscriminate.
The advisory further explains that misusing the ranking list contradicts the principles of inclusive growth outlined in national and state level sports policies. These policies emphasise that athletes should be encouraged to progress through open pathways. Preventing players from competing in local tournaments because they have earned recognition in official events undermines their development and amounts to improper interference with legitimate sporting activity.
The association has also noted that some organisers are creating false impressions of authority by invoking GBA rankings as a justification for exclusion. This risks misleading players, parents, and sponsors and may be interpreted as misrepresentation.
In its directive, the association has underlined that the ranking system is proprietary and intended only for competitions it organises or recognises. Any non affiliated organiser using these rankings for gatekeeping, disqualification, or restrictive entry is acting without permission and in a manner contrary to fair play. The association has warned that such actions violate public policy, discriminate against players, and conflict with constitutional principles related to equality and freedom of profession.
The association has instructed all organisers to immediately stop referencing its rankings for any restrictive purpose. It has also stated that continued misuse will invite legal and administrative action. The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting athlete development and maintaining fairness in badminton across Goa.
