Setting the ground for badminton

Overcoming hurdles, armed with limited scope and resources, two badminton players from Vizag have made it to the Indian Junior team and will represent India at the Asia Junior U-17 and U-15 Championship in Indonesia.

The Badminton Association of India released the selection list of Indian Junior Badminton Team members on September 16, asking players to join the coaching camp at Lucknow for the required preparation.  

The selection has not only boosted the confidence of K. Jagadeesh (U-17) and R. Pranay (U-15) to scale up their performances in future, but has also spread positivity among other shuttle aspirants.

Badminton contenders practicing at the Swarana Bharathi Indoor Stadium in Vizag, feel that the achievement of Jagadeesh and Pranay has affirmed their faith that they could make it big by practicing even in the city.

“I had to perform consistently and accumulate points over two years in order to secure a place in the Indian team. I received news of my selection during a tournament in Delhi. I am excited and waiting to meet my parents back home. Representing India at an international level was a dream, which has come true at last,” says Jagadeesh.    

“I was only working hard, not concerned about the outcome. I am really happy that things are going well and am looking forward to give my best,” says Pranay, adding that he is worried as his passport is yet to be issued.   

Speaking about P.V. Sindhu’s performance in the recent Olympics, both the shuttlers agree that they are proud to be badminton players.

Jagadeesh’s father, Venkata Surya Narayana, a systems operator in a printing press, has extended his unconditional support with his limited income so far. “My son has really brought laurels for city and the state as well. I am finding it tough to arrange for funds for his training and other expenses. It would be great if he could get sponsorship for his training as well as for the international tournaments,” he says.

“Badminton being an expensive game, it is not easy to bear all expenses. However, I have supported Pranay and am happy that his efforts and our support as parents have paid off. It’s really a proud moment for all. The way the whole nation rejoiced over Sindhu’s achievement motivates me to go all the way to fulfill all of Pranay’s needs (to play badminton),” says Pranay’s father, R.S.V. Murali, who works with Visakha Steel Plant.             

M.V. Murali Krishna, who had been coaching Jagadeesh, until he recently joined a training camp in Bengaluru, asserted, “There has always been interest among children in badminton, but I would say that it has doubled after the local boys’ achievement and of course, by Sindhu’s Olympics medal.”  

He, however, pointed out that a dedicated badminton indoor stadium in Vizag is the need of the hour. “We can provide coaching, but unless there is a dedicated badminton hall, we cannot stop the aspirants from going to other states or academy. (Good) facilities really make a difference,” he says.