The Indian badminton scene has been a source of immense pride for the nation over the years. The impressive lineup of players and consistent performances at international tournaments has put India on the global badminton map. However, recent developments in the doubles department have raised some concerns and sparked discussions about the future of Indian badminton.
In light of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty’s historic bronze medal win at the 2021 World Badminton Championships, their coach – Tan Kim Her- has been the subject of much speculation. The rumors of his potential return to the Indian badminton coaching team have been rife and have raised hopes for the revival of Indian doubles. However, it is essential to recognize that while the return of Tan Kim Her may bring some much-needed stability to Indian doubles, the challenges facing Indian badminton extend beyond just coaching.
The recent news of Satwiksairaj and Chirag’s decision to part ways with their current coach, Mathias Boe, has been met with mixed reactions. The duo’s decision to remain coachless for some time reflects the dire situation that Indian doubles is currently facing. While it may seem like a bold move, it is also a reflection of the underlying issues in the Indian badminton system.
The Indian doubles department has been in turmoil for some time now, with constant changes in coaching staff and lack of proper infrastructure. This has resulted in the players struggling to find a stable footing and consistent performances at the international level. The addition of Tan Kim Her could provide the necessary stability and guidance that the players need to excel.
Tan Kim Her is no stranger to Indian badminton. He is credited with transforming the Indian doubles scenario during his previous stint as India’s doubles coach from 2015-2019. With his expertise and experience, he helped in shaping the careers of top Indian shuttlers like Satwiksairaj, Chirag, and Ashwini Ponnappa. His return could prove to be a game-changer, especially with the Olympics less than a year away.
However, Tan Kim Her’s potential return should not overshadow the deeper issues that need to be addressed to ensure the long-term success of Indian badminton. One of the key challenges facing the sport is the lack of proper infrastructure and training facilities. Despite being a talent powerhouse, India has only a handful of world-class badminton academies and training centers. This results in the players having to travel abroad for training and exposure, which can be both physically and financially taxing.
Moreover, there is also a lack of proper coaching staff and support staff. While the top players have access to the best coaches, the same cannot be said for the upcoming players. Many talented players do not get the opportunity to train under experienced coaches, which hampers their development.
Another major issue is the rampant age fraud in Indian badminton. This not only affects the credibility of the sport but also denies genuine players the opportunity to excel. It is disheartening to see older players participating in age-group tournaments, depriving younger and more deserving players of their chance to shine. The Indian badminton federation needs to take strict action to curb this practice and ensure fair competition for all players.
Furthermore, the lack of a robust domestic circuit is also a major roadblock for Indian badminton’s growth. While the top players have numerous international tournaments to participate in, the same cannot be said for the upcoming players. A strong domestic circuit would not only provide these players with valuable exposure but also help in identifying and nurturing talent from a young age.
In conclusion, while the potential return of Tan Kim Her could bring some much-needed stability to Indian doubles, it is evident that the challenges facing Indian badminton extend beyond just coaching. The need of the hour is a holistic approach towards the development of the sport, addressing issues such as infrastructure, coaching, age fraud, and a strong domestic circuit. These efforts, coupled with Tan Kim Her’s expertise, could lay the foundation for a bright future for Indian badminton. The post Satwiksairaj-Chirag to remain coachless for some time, Tan Kim Her could join India soon, and with it, we hope to see a resurgence of Indian doubles on the international stage.
