Indian badminton legend Saina Nehwal offered a candid assessment of the Indian badminton contingent’s chances at the Paris Olympics 2024 during the inauguration of the Badminton Pros Academy in Byculla, Mumbai, on Friday, July 5.
Speaking to an eager audience, Nehwal shared tips for aspiring athletes and emphasized the importance of top-notch training facilities in nurturing future champions.
The state-of-the-art academy, located in Monte South, a luxury residential project by Marathon Realty and Adani Realty, is the latest addition to the Badminton Pros Academy’s growing network, which already includes centers in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune. Founded by retired international badminton players Anup Sridhar, an Olympian, and Vijay Lancy, a Thomas Cupper, the academy aims to provide expert training to players of all skill levels.
Saina Nehwal, the first Indian shuttler to win an Olympic medal, designed the courses alongside her husband, Commonwealth Games gold medalist Parupalli Kashyap, and a team of experienced coaches. Managed by leading sports operator Hotfut Sports, the academy features two courts and offers a pay-to-play facility.
During her address, Nehwal highlighted the enthusiasm among Indian youth for badminton and the necessity of proper training infrastructure to compete with sports like cricket.
“We have multiple centres, where really good coaching is provided. More of such academies should open in order for us to challenge a sport like cricket. Our sport is much loved in India,” she said. She emphasized that badminton is not just a “gully sport” and requires the best facilities to elevate players to the highest level.
Reflecting on her own journey, Nehwal recounted playing on cement courts, which took a toll on her knees and ankles. “But with the best of surfaces available now, you should utilize it well,” she advised the young players.
Nehwal also spoke about the pride and discipline required to succeed in sports, sharing the prestige of standing on the podium. “It is very difficult to become a sportsperson. You need to be really disciplined because you want to become among the best in the world,” she said. She urged parents to encourage their children to pursue sports, highlighting the fame and respect that successful athletes garner.
When asked about rituals, Nehwal acknowledged the importance of hard work and dedication. “I personally get mental peace while going to temples… But you must also work hard. If your opponent trains for 8-9 hours, you must train for 10 hours,” she noted. She stressed the importance of not cheating oneself and maintaining excellent work ethics to compete at the highest level.
Addressing the Indian badminton contingent for the Paris Olympics, Nehwal expressed optimism despite her own absence due to arthritis. “We have a strong contingent. The duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty has a 95% chance of winning gold,” she predicted. She also mentioned other promising players like Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, PV Sindhu, and the women’s doubles pairing of Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto, who have been preparing rigorously.
On Sindhu’s prospects of becoming the first Indian to win three individual Olympic medals, Nehwal was hopeful but realistic. “Definitely, it’s possible. Lee Chong Wei has won three back-to-back silvers. It will depend on the draws too… If she has prepared well, then she surely has chances of winning a third medal,” she said.
