India badminton star Satwiksairaj Rankireddy on Friday clarified that his recent remarks about the muted public response to India’s Thomas Cup bronze medal were not made out of a desire for “money or grand parades,” but rather to encourage greater recognition and support for athletes across all sports.
Satwik, alongside doubles partner Chirag Shetty, was part of the Indian men’s team that secured a podium finish at the Thomas Cup in Denmark. However, shortly after returning home, the World No. 4 doubles player had expressed disappointment on social media over what he felt was a lack of public acknowledgment for the team’s achievement.
“Back home now. As usual, no one knows what happened over the past two weeks, and it seems like no one really cares,” Satwik had posted, triggering widespread discussion among sports fans and athletes.
In a fresh statement shared on Friday, the 25-year-old explained that his comments had been misunderstood by some sections of the public.
“The last few days have brought a lot of attention to my recent comments regarding the lack of a reception for our Thomas Cup bronze medal. While I am grateful for the overwhelming support and encouragement, I want to clarify my intent because I see many people deviating from the original point,” Satwik wrote.
He stressed that his comments were never meant to undermine the achievements of athletes from other disciplines or demand special treatment.
“My words did not come from a place of wanting personal fame or taking credit away from anyone else’s achievements. I have the utmost respect for every athlete who brings glory to India, regardless of the sport,” he said.
Satwik emphasised that performances at major international tournaments such as the Thomas Cup are the result of years of dedication, sacrifice, and relentless effort by athletes and support staff. According to him, it becomes emotionally difficult when such accomplishments receive little attention back home.
“We don’t want money or grand parades; we just want to know that our country is watching and that our efforts are seen,” he stated.
The badminton star also called for a broader sporting culture in India where achievements in every discipline are celebrated equally, not just those in the most followed sports.
His sentiments were echoed earlier by Chirag Shetty, who also spoke about the need for greater appreciation of badminton achievements in the country.
Satwik concluded his message with an appeal for unity among sports fans, urging them to support every athlete representing India on the international stage.
“Next time, let it not be about who won more or less, but about celebrating everyone who wears the India jersey,” he said.
