How criticism of Lakshya Sen after Paris Olympics loss has divided Indian badminton fraternity

New Delhi: Indian badminton legend Prakash Padukone was critical of the Indian badminton players’ efforts at the Paris Olympics 2024 after Lakshya Sen gave his bronze medal play-off match away on Monday. However, the comments haven’t been well received by some of the Indian players who have hit out at Padukone for blaming the player for the loss and not being responsible themselves as coaches.

Padukone’s remarks have divided the Indian badminton fraternity and the most recent to speak against him is doubles player Ashwini Ponnappa who said that his comments amount to “throwing the player under the bus.” Sen looked brilliant in the first game, taking the lead, and went on to squander an 8-3 lead as well in the second game. He lost 21-13, 16-21, 11-21 to Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia in the play-off, missing out on a bronze medal.

Padukone, who accompanied the Indian shuttlers to Paris, was disappointed after the loss and made it clear to the media persons outside the arena. He highlighted that despite getting significant support from the government, the players couldn’t deliver and that it’s high time that players take responsibility and learn to withstand pressure.

He had also given a stern message to all the badminton players in India saying that they cannot remain satisfied just having one player and that they need to focus on the next line, maybe even the third line. “And a little bit of effort from the players also. A little more responsibility, a little more accountability. Not just ask for whatever you ask for. Once you are given that, you also have to be accountable. I think the players have to learn to take responsibility,” Padukone said.

Badminton fraternity divided

Ponnapa, who exited the women’s doubles competition with partner Tanisha Crasto without a single win in the marquee event, didn’t agree with Padukone’s comments. Putting an Instagram story with Sen’s picture, Ponnappa wrote a long message in response to Padukone’s comments.

“Disappointing to see this. If a player wins, everyone jumps on the bandwagon to take credit, and if they lose, it’s just the player’s fault?!” Ponnappa wrote.

“Why aren’t coaches held responsible for lack of preparation and getting the player ready? They are the first ones to take credit for wins; why not take responsibility for their players’ losses as well? At the end of the day, winning takes a team effort and losing is also the team’s responsibility. You can’t suddenly push the player under the bus and blame it all on the player,” she added.

Jwala Gutta weighs in on Padukone’s comments

Former Indian women’s doubles player Jwala Gutta, who bagged a world championship bronze with Ponnappa, supported Padukone’s remarks. In an Instagram story, she wrote – “Yes, players can also take responsibilities…why not? Players, when they win, get all the riches…do they share it with their coach or staff? If a coach is saying that the players also need to take responsibility after reaching a certain stage in a tournament, the player should be held responsible as well.”

Saina-Parupalli have their says

The star badminton couple, Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap too countered Padukone’s stance saying that while criticism is important, one can’t question the commitment of the athletes.

“There will be a lot of tough questions asked of our Indian Olympic contingent, and rightfully so, once the games are over in a few days’ time,” Saina and Parupalli shared in an Instagram post.

“And while it’s our right to ask and criticise, one thing we cannot and should not do is question the commitment of all 117 athletes representing our country. All of them have shed blood, sweat, and tears to get to the Olympics,” the couple said.

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 Ashwini Ponnappa recently replied to Prakash Padukone, who was critical of the Indian badminton players for their flop show at the Paris Olympics 2024. The likes of Saina Nehwal, Parupalli Kashyap, and Jwala Gutta have had their takes as well.  Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today