Scream For Mainstream Attention! Sat-Chi Comments Aimed At Increased Visibility For Sport

India’s top men’s doubles pair, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, said their remarks about the lack of recognition for the country’s historic Thomas Cup triumph were meant to spark a wider conversation about badminton’s visibility and appreciation in India.

The world No. 4 duo, who are also the reigning Asian Games champions, were part of the Indian team that recently won a bronze medal at the Thomas Cup in Denmark.

They had earlier expressed disappointment over the relatively muted response to India’s landmark Thomas Cup title in 2022, as well as to the team’s bronze-medal showing this year.

“I think it was really important for the sport to have a conversation,” Chirag told BWF after entering the quarterfinals of Thailand Open Super 500

in Bangkok.

“I was unhappy because of the reception that we got back in 2022. We deserved a much bigger celebration. Nobody would have expected India to win a Thomas Cup gold.

“That was the reason behind my comments, but it blew up much more than we expected. There were obviously critics, but there were also a lot of positive reactions. I think that is a very positive sign because the conversation at least started. Hopefully, in the years to come, the sport will become even bigger.”

“People are not watching badminton. That is what we felt like,” Satwik said.

“We are wearing India jerseys, but people are more interested in IPL and other things happening around. Even a bronze medal is really tough to win because the level in team events is extremely high.

“Nobody expected Indonesia and Korea to be knocked out. I think we came closest to beating China. Had we won the doubles match, the tie could have ended 3-2 in our favour.

“There were negatives as well, but more than that I saw almost 90 per cent positive reactions. That is a good sign.”

Satwik stressed that their concern was not only about celebrations, but also about how badminton continues to struggle for mainstream attention despite major successes.

Chirag called team events truly special, noting that the emotional highs and the pressure involved make them stand out in a primarily individual sport like badminton.

“I think team events are truly special for professional players because badminton is largely an individual sport and you don’t get too many opportunities to play as a team. But whenever you do, everybody loves it,” Chirag said.

“If you ask players from any country, they will say the same thing. The euphoria, the tension, and the pressure make team events really exciting. I think it is one of the best things about badminton.”

“The Asian Games is obviously a very big event. Along with the World Championships, it is one of the major events of the year, and we really want to do well there,” said Chirag looking forward to the upcoming Asian Games.

(With Inputs From Agencies)