Flood of fresh talent raises hopes for junior badminton

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They walked into the court hand in hand but were drawn up against each other. Yet they fought valiantly.

One emerged while the other was reduced to tears. But, like professionals, the winner was there to pat the fallen.

Though it sounds like a scene from a soap opera, one is sure to witness such dramatic events in the Sub-Junior State Badminton Tournament that got underway in Kochi with a record number of over 500 participants on Thursday.

Such richness of sporting flavour in the young shuttlers is obviously the reason why the State still dominates in most of the national level tournaments in the boys and girls categories.

But, there is also a troubling reality that we cannot shy away from, which is that despite the depth in the junior level, Kerala is slowly on the verge of losing its dominance because of a major problem.
Rakesh Sekhar, former State player said, “It is nice to see children pouring in for tournaments, which gives us a feeling of pride considering the gaining popularity of the sport.

But, there is also a sad side to it when we see a fading image of the State in the senior level.”
He points out that in the recent few years, several young and promising players from the State have made it to the bigger stage but, Kerala lacks that potential to guide the players all the way due to a dearth of adequate infrastructure.

“Take the case of H.S. Prannoy, who won the world junior title. He emerged into a fine young player. But, then, he had to grow and Gopichand Academy was there to provide. So now, the credit of his achievements goes elsewhere,” said Rakesh.

“It is all because our authorities are not keen to set up facilities according to the increasing need. Almost all the major badminton venues in the State have been closed down for renovation as part of the national games. So where would these children train?” he asked.

Let us take the case of the Savithri Saboo Memorial All Kerala Junior Ranking Tournament that was held in Kozhikode this May.

Due to the unavailability of the indoor stadium, the event was held in four different venues, giving a hard time to the children. So, even when we clap and cheer, the children who with much aspirations, have come under the roof of the Regional Sports Centre for the State event, can we assure them a safe and secure playing career?