Baiju guarantee for badminton racket; quit studies in eighth class to string badminton rackets, stringing rackets of national players now

KOCHI: Baiju Antony started stringing badminton rackets after quitting his studies in class eight. Even the national and international stars of Kerala come seeking Baiju's help now. They trust this 43-year-old that much. Baiju was an authorized string tighter for international companies like Yonex, Fly Power and Hundred for four years in Dubai. When the competition season comes, their rackets will be in front of Baiju.

Baiju was taught string tying by his friend Kalady Santosh. He started working in shops in Ernakulam and got expert training in Malaysia in 2019. Baiju left his job in Dubai with a salary of Rs 85,000 and opened shops selling sports products in Ernakulam North and Kathrikadavu. Due to his passion for badminton, he closed the shop and moved his workstation to an Omni Van under the name 'Extra Sports Badminton'. Baiju, who has played in the district badminton team, also trains 20 children.

Rs 520 for stringing

Baiju started stringing in the Omni by buying a machine worth Rs 1 lakh and installing it in the Omni.

Stringing is done at various pressures depending on the quality of the bats. The racket will be ready in 12 minutes. The wages for stringing starts from Rs.520. There is a profit starting from Rs.150. 10-12 rackets are strung daily. Frames will be brought from Chennai, to be strung and priced at Rs 2,000-16,000. Baiju visits badminton courts, flats and clubs to fix rackets. His wife is Philomena, Children: Ann Maria, Asin, Eden.

Celebrities

Players like Sanal Thomas, Rupesh Kumar, Aparna Balan, Jessel Bennett, and Shankar Gopan ensure the quality of their rackets through Baiju. Baiju has worked in two National Games.