Indian badminton legend Prakash Padukone minced no words after Lakshya Sen’s heartbreaking loss to Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia in the bronze medal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Despite Lakshya Sen’s impressive performance, which saw him become the first Indian shuttler to reach the semifinals of the men’s singles event, the rest of the Indian badminton contingent exited the tournament in an underwhelming fashion.
Prakash Padukone’s assessment of Indian Athletes at Paris Olympics
“… I am a little disappointed that we couldn’t get one medal from badminton,” Prakash Padukone told reporters in Paris.
P.V. Sindhu, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, H.S. Prannoy, Ashwini Ponnappa, and Tanisha Crasto all fell short of expectations.
Prakash Padukone emphasized that Indian players have received ample support, facilities, and funding. Padukone called for introspection and accountability, urging players to deliver under pressure rather than relying solely on external factors.
“We were contenders for 3 medals. So, at least, one I would have been happy. I am personally disappointed. But, having said that, this time, the government, the SAI, the foundations, the TOPs, everybody has done their bit. So, I have nothing against it… I don’t think anybody could have done anything more than what the government has done, the Sports Ministry, TOPs has done. It’s high time the players also need to take some responsibility.
“All these years we could say there were not enough facilities or encouragement. But, I think this time, it’s only better. Especially, the top 30 players, I am not just talking about badminton. Across all sports, the top 30-40 who had chances of winning medals, were given whatever they wanted. Sometimes, even if they were unreasonable demands, they have been met,” he added.
Lakshya Sen started strongly but couldn’t maintain his momentum against Lee Zii Jia. Padukone attributed Sen’s defeat to feeling uncomfortable playing on the faster side of the court.
“Generally in Indian sports, when we get a star, I think there is too much focus on just one player. And we don’t pay enough attention to the next line of players. That’s where the federations need to focus a little more.”
Breaking 🚨 #PrakashPadukone Explosive!
🗣️ It's high time players take responsibility. The Govt and Federations are doing enough!
🗣️ Vimal and I are not happy with this result!
Prakash Padukone after #LakshyaSen's loss in the bronze medal match.
Listen in 👇… pic.twitter.com/4TXVb8DLu8
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) August 5, 2024
“Like you said, there is a big vacuum in ladies’ singles, In men’s singles, we still have players. Lakshya is still there, and Priyanshu Rajawat is there. I am not saying it’s good enough, but, at least, we have some talent. But, on the women’s side, we still have young girls, three or four of them, aged 13, 14, 16, 17. I don’t know if they will be ready for the next Olympics,” he added.
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