Ashwini Ponnappa's strong response to Prakash Padukone’s critique of Lakshya Sen and other Indian badminton stars

Ashwini Ponnappa's strong response to Prakash Padukone’s critique of Lakshya Sen.

Expressing his frustration over Indian badminton players’ near misses at the Paris Olympic Games, Prakash Padukone has called for a more robust response to pressure and a greater sense of accountability among athletes. Padukone's remarks followed Lakshya Sen’s loss in the bronze medal match against Lee Zii Jia, which left the Indian badminton contingent without a medal at the Games. Indian shuttler Ashwini Ponnappa, part of the 2024 Olympic team, responded strongly to Padukone's criticism.

On Instagram, Ponnappa expressed her disappointment, questioning why players are solely blamed when results are poor, despite coaches and support staff also playing critical roles. “It’s disheartening to see this,” she wrote. “When a player wins, everyone is quick to take credit, but when they lose, it’s suddenly just the player’s fault. Coaches should be held accountable for preparation and ensuring players are ready. They take credit for victories; they should also share responsibility for losses. Winning and losing are both team responsibilities.”

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August 6, 2024

The pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and Tanisha Crasto took part in the women's doubles at the Paris Olympics and failed to cross the group stage. The pair were disappointing right from their first match and crashed out of the competition without winning a single game in all the three matches they played in the group stage.

Padukone suggested that India needs to implement more comprehensive mental training for its athletes to better handle pressure. He proposed adopting a system similar to that of China, where multiple tiers of players are developed. “We cannot be content with just one player. We need to develop talent at multiple levels, much like the structure in cricket with the main team, 'A' team, and various junior teams. India has immense talent, but it requires a coordinated effort,” he stated.

He also highlighted the need for players to take greater responsibility. “Players need to be accountable for their performance, not just demand resources. They must learn to manage their responsibilities effectively,” he added.

In the bronze medal match, Sen squandered an initial lead and lost to Lee Zii Jia, with scores of 21-13, 16-21, 11-21. Padukone emphasised that Sen needs both mental and technical improvements, particularly in managing wind conditions and controlling his game. He stressed the importance of sports psychology, noting that many top players falter under Olympic pressure not due to lack of skill but because they cannot handle the stress.

Padukone also suggested that India should consider bringing in foreign sports psychologists. “It’s crucial to have foreign experts as well. While Indian sports psychologists are competent, bringing in international specialists could provide a fresh perspective,” he said. “Sports psychology needs to be an ongoing focus, not just a last-minute preparation before the Olympics.”