BAI Aims to Preserve “Indian Style” Badminton While Grooming Next-Gen Talent
The Badminton association of India (BAI) is embarking on an aspiring plan to cultivate the next generation of badminton stars while concurrently safeguarding the unique “Indian style” of play. This initiative comes as the sport gains increasing popularity in the U.S., with many American players looking to emulate the success of badminton powerhouses like India.
The BAI’s strategy involves leveraging the experience of former Indian badminton legends, pairing them with foreign coaches, and focusing on developing junior players at the National Centres of Excellence (NCoE). This multifaceted approach aims to create a deep talent pool and ensure the long-term success of Indian badminton on the world stage.
BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra emphasized the importance of preserving the traditional Indian playing style, which he believes is at risk of being diluted by the growing influence of foreign coaches.The Indian style is somewhat fading,
Mishra stated. Prakash (Padukone) sir used deception to win the All England, (Pullela) Gopichand played net game to win.
Mishra elaborated on the shift he’s observed: But now, under foreign coaches, the Indian shuttlers are playing a more physical game, more like the Indonesian or Malaysian style. Maybe our physique also doesn’t fully support that kind of play. After playing one or two games the body may not be able to sustain the tempo. So these Indian coaches can pass on our style apart from learning the foreign style which may give better results.
This is a sentiment echoed by many american coaches who strive to maintain the core strengths of their athletes while incorporating new techniques.
The BAI received an overwhelming response to its call for coaching applications, with 49 former players vying for the opportunity to shape the future of Indian badminton. We invited applications from the top players who want to come into coaching with BAI and SAI. We got 49 applications out of which we have shortlisted 10-11. The list has gone to SAI for approval,
Mishra explained.
The selected coaches will be rotated across the NCoEs, initially working with junior players before potentially moving on to elite coaching roles. This approach mirrors the developmental systems used in American sports like baseball, where young prospects are nurtured through various levels of training and competition.
the BAI’s commitment to junior progress is evident in its focus on creating a “chain of talent.” Mishra highlighted the need to build a system where the next generation of players is ready to step up when the current stars retire. It will take 3-4 years, but eventually, the question of ‘who after Sindhu?’ or ‘who after Prannoy?’ will be answered.
He drew a comparison to China’s badminton program, known for its depth of talent: In China if top two are not playing, the third string player also goes and wins a tournament. We want to develop a similar system, prepare a chain of players so that even if the top two are not available then third best player has the capability to reach the semifinals.
This is akin to the “next man up” mentality prevalent in the NFL, where teams emphasize the importance of having capable backups ready to perform at a high level.
To further enhance player development, the BAI is providing top players with the option to train at any of the three NCoEs in bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Guwahati, each staffed with a foreign coach. Currently, Malaysia’s Tan kim Her works at NCoE in Hyderabad and Indonesian Irwansyah Adi Pratama in Bengaluru while South korea’s Park tae-Sang, who coaches junior players, works in Guwahahti.
The BAI is also prioritizing player fitness,implementing mandatory fitness tests three times a year. SAI has been focussing on players being fit or ready to play. Thay have set some parameters for this, some test that players should take thrice a year,
Mishra noted. This emphasis on physical conditioning is a common thread across all elite sports, including those popular in the U.S., such as basketball and soccer.
Looking ahead,India is set to host the senior world championships next year at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi. A team from the Badminton world Federation (BWF) is scheduled to inspect the venue in June.
This initiative by the BAI presents a interesting case study in how a nation can balance the preservation of its unique sporting identity with the adoption of global best practices. It will be fascinating to observe the long-term impact of this strategy on the future of Indian badminton and its potential influence on badminton development in countries like the United States.
Further examination could explore the specific training methodologies employed by the foreign coaches at the NCoEs, the effectiveness of the fitness testing program, and the impact of the “chain of talent” initiative on the overall depth of Indian badminton.
Key Initiatives and Strategies of the BAI
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) is undertaking several key initiatives to revitalize Indian badminton. A critical component revolves around blending the heritage of “Indian style” badminton with cutting-edge training techniques, mirroring the evolution seen in major American sports like basketball and baseball. Here’s a summarized look at their primary strategies:
| Initiative | description | Key Goal | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preservation of “Indian Style” | Integrating Indian badminton legends as coaches, alongside foreign coaches. Analysis of past success, which, as Sanjay Mishra pointed out, involved deception and net play rather of just physical force. | Maintain the distinct tactical approach of Indian badminton. | Preserving India’s competitive advantages, even in the face of global trends in the sport. |
| National Centres of Excellence (NCoE) Development | Establishing NCoEs across India (Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Guwahati), each staffed with specialized foreign coaches, such as Tan kim Her and Park Tae-Sang, tailored for junior players. | To foster a robust talent pipeline for the future. | Create a enduring ecosystem of training, development, and competition, ensuring the longevity of Indian badminton’s success. |
| Junior Player Development | focused coaching at the NCoEs with a structured pathway from junior to elite coaching roles. | Build a “chain of talent” to ensure consistent player availability. | Reduced dependence on individual stars; creation of a deeper pool of talent. |
| Fitness and Physical conditioning | Implementation of mandatory fitness tests three times a year. | Enhance player stamina and competitiveness. | Improved overall performance and injury prevention. |
| Venue Preparation | Preparation for hosting the Senior world Championships. | Increase exposure to global competition; to raise the profile of the sport. | Elevate the prestige of indian badminton and attract further investment and participation. |
The BAI’s approach is a strategic blend of tradition and modernity, echoing the evolution of sports strategies globally. This balanced model seeks to preserve the spirit of “Indian style” while incorporating modern training methodologies to propel the nation’s badminton prowess.
FAQ: Badminton Association of India (BAI)
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the Badminton Association of India (BAI) and its initiatives. This section provides clear and concise answers to help you understand the BAI’s objectives and strategies.
- What is the primary goal of the BAI’s current initiatives?
- The BAI aims to cultivate the next generation of badminton stars while simultaneously preserving the distinctive “indian style” of play. This encompasses building a sustainable ecosystem of talent with a focus on long-term success within the sport.
- How is the BAI attempting to preserve the “Indian style” of badminton?
- The BAI is integrating former Indian badminton legends as coaches, pairing them with international coaches, and focusing on juniors at NCoEs. By retaining this knowlege alongside modern training methods, the BAI hopes to merge heritage and progress, keeping the Indian game’s unique characteristics.
- What are National Centres of Excellence (NCoEs) and what role do they play?
- NCoEs are specialized training facilities located in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Guwahati. They serve as hubs to develop junior players. Each NCoE is equipped with foreign and domestic coaches, creating a structured pathway of advancement across the training spectrum.
- Who are some of the foreign coaches working with the BAI?
- Some of the identified foreign coaches include Malaysia’s Tan Kim Her (hyderabad), Indonesian Irwansyah Adi Pratama (Bengaluru) and South Korea’s Park Tae-Sang (Guwahati).
- What is the meaning of the “chain of talent” initiative?
- The “chain of talent” initiative focuses on building a deep roster of players ready to compete at the highest level, not entirely dependent on individual players.This structure, similar to strategies in Chinese badminton, ensures ongoing competitiveness even if top players are unavailable.
- How is the BAI prioritizing player fitness?
- The BAI has implemented mandatory fitness tests three times annually. This focus on physical conditioning aims to improve player stamina, performance, and reduce injury risks, similar to practices in other elite sports.
- When will India host the Senior World Championships, and where will it be held?
- India is scheduled to host the Senior World Championships next year at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.
- how will this affect the sport in the U.S.?
- The development within the BAI provides key insights into player development. The methods and strategies of the BAI, are likely to inspire other leagues, impacting even those in the U.S. who share similar goals of maintaining tradition when implementing modern progress.
