It’s all in genes for savvy shuttler Arun

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Following the footsteps of his father, Arjuna Award-winning badminton player George Thomas, Arun George is taking big strides in the sport. His drive towards the game has made him one of the most promising players from the state.

The 15-year-old had represented India in the Asian Championship two years ago and won bronze medal in the team category.

He has also won several national and state-level championships, most recent being under-17 title at the recently held All India-ranking badminton tournament in Ernakulam. He is also ranked All India No. 1 in the under-16 category.

Trained by his father in his early years of career, he is now honing his skills under the well-acclaimed coaches in the Prakash Padukone Academy in Bengaluru.

“My father’s love for the game has influenced me a lot. I grew up watching him play. I used to play with him whenever I come to Ernakulam,” he says.

Arun, who started his career when he was six years old, is thankful to his father for the coaching tips he had imparted during his initial stage of play. “The support he gave me helped me to build my confidence level,” he said.

Arun, at present, playing in the State Junior Badminton Championship being held at Kannur University, has reached the semifinals in the under-17 and under-19 categories of the tournament.

“The tournament so far was good for me. Still, I have a lot to improve. I will try my best to get into the State team this time,” he said. “I am waiting to meet my father so that I can play with him. We still practice whenever we come together,” he said.

Thomas, indeed is a proud father. “He has a good potential. It was evident right from his childhood. When he was six-year old, he started playing with me. Realising his potential, I decided to give him professional training from the age nine onwards. He quickly picked up and was the State champion that year in the under-10 category,” said Thomas.

“It would take two-three years more to know where he is heading to. He has to train hard. However, I happy that he is at the Padukone Academy training under former national players,” he said.

George is also thankful to the Toc-H School in Ernakulam, where he is studying. “The school management is very supportive in promoting young talents and it has been really helpful,” says George.