A DOCTOR with a passion for badminton has found the right prescription for business success.

Naren Kumar Vandanapu has opened a shop in the USN Bolton Arena selling everything the aspiring badminton player or club needs.

Just Badminton is the realisation of a dream for the A & E doctor who simply loves the sport.

“This was something I always wanted to do,” explained Naren. “I wanted to start a business away from my job as a doctor but I also wanted to follow my passion for badminton.”

He played during medical school days and continued his interest, now plahying in local leagues. Soon he began importing racquets and kit from some of the top manufacturers around the world.

“I went over to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to visit the Protech factory and I’m in touch with all the manufacturers and suppliers including Yonex and Victor,” he added.

“I chose to start the business at the Arena because it’s such a good venue. It’s near the motorway so I can soon get to places like Manchester Performance Centre where they train elite badminton players, and it’s handy for Bolton Performance Centre here. There’s plenty of parking and a great footfall of people involved in sports.”

The shop runs with the help of Sameer Kadiri, a vital support who shares Naren’s badminton passion. The shop stocks the very latest top-of-the-range racquets and sports kit for men, women and juniors and several brands of shuttles including Arrow, which Naren has developed himself.

As a player, he knows how important a good racquet is and so offers a stringing service with a quick turnaround. “I just want to give a really good service for local badminton players and clubs,” he stated.

So far, the shop has been doing well and he is adding to services including a loyalty card on stringing and club discounts for shuttles, equipment and kit.

Hannah Mooney, Arena Events and B2B Manager, commented: “Just Badminton is an excellent fit with the Arena’s services and Naren’s fit-out of the shop really adds to the vibrant business village we have here.”