The Advisor to the Local Government Department, Punjab, Dr. Amar Singh today inaugurated the 6th Sudama Veteran Badminton Championship here today at Multipurpose Sports complex , Sector-43. On the occasion, Dr. Amar Singh announced grant of Rs. 5 lakh to the organizers of the championship from the discretionary quota of the Local Government Minister Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu. In his address on the eve, Dr. Amar Singh said that earlier the inauguration was to be performed by Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu but owing to the function of Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh at Jalandhar he (Mr. Sidhu) could not make it but he has sent his good wishes besides announcing Rs. 5 lakh to the organizers of the championship. Speaking further, Dr. Amar Singh lauding the organizing of a veteran's championship as a great initiative which provides an opportunity for the elderly citizens to showcase their talent.Dr. Amar Singh also appreciated the fact that the championship is being held in the name of 'Sudama'- a symbol of friendship. He also emphasized that sports play a yeoman's role in ensuring a society free from the menace of drugs. He further said that Badminton is a popular sport which has accounted for multiple laurels for India at the international level. He elaborated that many champion players of yesteryears for e.g. Prakash Padukone, Syed Modi and Pullela Gopichand and current era players like-Saina Nehwal, P.V. Sindhu and Srikkanth have contributed a lot to popularize the game further. On the occasion the founder of Sudama Club Mr. S.P. Singh, President Mr. Charanjit Singh, Chief Organiser Mr. Haroom Rashid and Vice President Mr. Riaz Rashid were also present. During the 5 day championship, players from all the States of the country would participate and not only this, players from Indonesia would also showcase their skill in the championship. In the Men's section 500 and in the Women's section 100 players would vie for the honours. Every age category would see the Singles, and Doubles matches of Men and Women being held besides the Mixed Doubles matches.