Tata group and Tata Capital, continuing their commitment to support sports, on Monday announced the commencement of the 2011 edition of Tata Open India International Challenge, at a press conference, in Mumbai. Over 70 foreign shuttlers, up from 25 entries in the previous year, will take part in the tourney.

‘Tata Open India International Challenge 2011’ has been organized by Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA) under the auspices of Maharashtra Badminton Association (MBA) and will get underway at National Sports Club of India, (NSCI) Mumbai from December 14 to December 18. The tournament carries prize money of USUSD 15,000. Tata Open India International Challenge is part of the international circuit tournaments which earn ranking points for players. Being the Olympic qualifying year, this tournament will play an important role for the participating players to earn points to increase their world rankings and thus increase their chances to qualify for London Olympic Games, scheduled to take place next summer. The event is hosted by NSCI of Mumbai and matches will be played in their air-conditioned courts. Yonex shuttlecocks will be used for the tournament.

The 2011 edition of Tata Open India International Challenge has received an excellent response from players from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Austria, Russia and the host country India.