Ludhiana: Age is just a number for city-based businessman Arun Dhand (61), who has made the city proud by securing a berth in the Indian senior veteran squad for the next session of the 103rd All England Senior Open Badminton Championship, which will kick off on April 5 at Hatfield in England. Dhand — who took part in an international badminton championship — was selected on the basis of recent performances at the National Veteran Badminton Tournament.Last year, Dhand had grabbed a gold medal in the 42nd Indian Masters (Veteran) National Badminton Championships (in the 60+ single category) held in Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), which paved his way for the international tournament. Apart from winning all-India tournaments, Dhand became a gold medallist in the 41st Open UAE Badminton Tournament (above-55 doubles category event) held in Dubai last year.Dhand, who was on his way to create history in the world of Veteran Badminton Championship, told The Times of India: “Last year, I failed to grab the gold medal in the All England Open Veteran Badminton Tournament, but this time, I practised a little harder to emerge victorious in the prestigious tournament. “More than 2,000 players from across the world will showcase their talent in the world famous badminton tournament. From India, I will be alone to participate in 60+ age category events.”He added: “For the past 20 years, I have been actively performing in the veteran’s tournament, emerging a winner in most national tournaments, because since my childhood, I loved to play badminton and cannot imagine my life without this game. To maintain my stamina after 50 years of age was a big challenge for me, as I have to take a proper diet, because badminton needs a lot of physical strength. I have to undergo different physical training sessions every day.”Dhand further said: “Last year, I met Harinder Singh, who used to play with me during the early stages of my life. He has been helping me since the past one year to take on the challenge in the sport, and he has made my dream come true of becoming a title winning player at the All England Senior Badminton Tournament.”

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