Hyderabad: ‘Badminton Pros’, South India’s premier badminton coaching academy, on Wednesday announced badminton legend Saina Nehwal as Mentor to nurture the future of Indian badminton.
Saina Nehwal, an Olympic Bronze medallist and one of India’s most iconic and accomplished shuttlers, brings her unparalleled experience, dedication, and exemplary achievements to inspire the next generation of Indian badminton talents, the Academy said in a release here.
Saina joins fellow compatriots Parupalli Kashyap, a Commonwealth Gold Medallist and Olympian, and Indian badminton player RMV Gurusai Dutt, a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, in this exciting venture, creating a formidable team of mentors dedicated to the growth of the sport in India.
The ‘Badminton Pros’, under the aegis of ‘The Badminton Professionals’, has been co-founded by Vijay Lancy, CEO, Thomas Cupper, International Badminton Player & IIM Calcutta Graduate along with Anup Sridhar, Arjuna awardee and Olympian.
They bring together a wealth of knowledge and expertise to nurture talents of budding badminton players, guiding them towards excellence.
The academies are based at prominent locations in South India – Hyderabad, Bangalore and Mumbai.
In her role as mentor, Saina will oversee and monitor the players’ development, helping them build mental fortitude and excel in their game-play. Training will be conducted in good quality infrastructure, emphasizing the highest quality and focus on the game.
Speaking on joining ‘Badminton Pros’, Saina Nehwal said, “I’ve always wanted to give back to the sport of badminton, which has given me so much. I sought to collaborate with like-minded, passionate individuals who possess a deep understanding of badminton and uphold the highest professional standards. I was genuinely impressed by the methodical approach taken in coaching prospective talent and nurturing their progress.”
Anup Sridhar said, “Having competed at the highest level, I’ve come to realise the necessity of a systematic coaching approach for aspiring badminton players. I’m thrilled that Saina, Kashyap, and Gurusai Dutt have now joined us to contribute their expertise in crafting a comprehensive badminton coaching program.”
Vijay Lancy said, “Our coaching philosophy has always been methodical and systematic. I’m delighted that Saina shares our vision, and her partnership with us will be instrumental in developing grassroots coaching. We’re adapting to modern times by developing a tech product that will seamlessly connect parents and students with our coaching process.”
‘Badminton Pros’ aims to popularize the sport, ensuring accessibility to all enthusiasts.
The academy has plans to organize tournaments across various levels, fostering engagement, motivation, and competitiveness among players.
The ultimate aim is to make badminton a major sport in India, impacting the game at international multi-sporting events.
With the collaboration of Saina Nehwal, Parupalli Kashyap, and Gurusai Dutt, who are the flag bearers of Indian badminton, ‘Badminton Pros’ is poised to usher in a new era of excellence in the sport.
