The Indian team mentor said that the players had been receiving adequate support from the government and that they should “take responsibility” for their performances.
In an interview with THE WEEK, the former All-England champion stood by his statement, and pointed to Neeraj Chopra and Manu Bhaker as examples of athletes who take responsibility. He also spoke about another Olympics for P.V. Sindhu, and what’s ahead for Indian badminton. Excerpts:
Q/ This is the first time since 2012 that badminton has not given India an Olympic medal.
A/ I was expecting at least two medals. This could have come from our men’s singles, women’s singles or men’s doubles players. The fact that we did not get even one medal definitely disappointed the entire nation, including me.
Q/ You spoke about athletes taking responsibility for their performances. What did you think about the reaction to that statement? The sporting world seemed divided.
A/ I have done my job as a well-wisher of Indian sport to start a dialogue. I do not gain anything personally by commenting on the players. I have only stated a fact. I am also aware that most players will not agree with my views. They are entitled to their opinion. Even if four or five players across different sports take my advice in the right spirit, I would have achieved my objective. If not, we can continue to be happy with single-digit medals at the Olympics or even fourth-place finishes.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
Indian-Americans coming together under the Democratic umbrella could get Harris over the line in key battlegrounds
COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict
SAHEB LOSES STEAM
Coalition dynamics and poor electoral prospects continue to diminish Ajit Pawar's political stock
