Britain earmark Olympic hopefuls

Emms and Robertson are targeting more medals in Beijing

Britain's leading and rising badminton stars are set to be honed for Olympic glory by joining a new elite programme.

A total of 47 players from England, Scotland and Wales have been selected for the initiative.

These include 2008 podium contenders, such as Athens silver medallists Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms, through to London 2012 hopefuls like Linda Sloan.

Elite programme boss Jon Austin said: "The 47 chosen are the ones we believe can achieve at the highest level."

The players, who are all at different stages of achievement in their badminton careers, are split into podium and development categories.

Players who have failed to make the programme can still force their way into contention Jon Austin Elite programme manager

"Over the past six months selection criteria has been put in place," said Austin.

"These criteria are extremely challenging for the players to achieve and maintain.

"The programme is made up of 17 at podium level and 30 in the development group.

"The podium players are the ones we are looking to for medal success in Beijing 2008, while the development group have London 2012 as their real focus even if a small number of them may qualify for Beijing."

Badminton's year-long qualification period, where results on the world circuit reflect a player or pair's ranking and determine qualification for Beijing, begins on 1 May and Austin insists that being part of the programme does not guarantee going to the Olympics.

"It is important to stress that players who have failed to make the programme can still force their way into contention if their performances in the future merit inclusion.

"It is equally important to note that those selected must maintain, even improve, to remain on the programme."