Hyderabad
India’s badminton stars, fresh from a historic bronze medal at the Thomas Cup, have voiced deep disappointment over the lack of public recognition upon their return, highlighting the sport’s struggle for attention in a cricket-dominated landscape.
Men’s doubles ace Satwiksairaj Rankireddy revealed that the team’s homecoming was marked by indifference, with fellow passengers at the airport unaware of their achievement. “Nobody even asked who we were or what we had done,” he said, noting that many were preoccupied with the Indian Premier League and political discussions.
The Indian squad, featuring prominent names like Chirag Shetty, Lakshya Sen and Kidambi Srikanth, had secured a commendable podium finish in one of badminton’s most prestigious team events. Yet, the players found themselves booking cabs at the airport without any fanfare or acknowledgment.
Rankireddy admitted the experience was disheartening enough to make him question the future of the sport in India. “It’s tough to keep going when people don’t realise how big this achievement is,” he said, adding that such moments can test an athlete’s mental resilience.
His partner Shetty echoed the sentiment, saying the issue was not about expecting grand celebrations but about a basic level of awareness. “It’s the feeling that nobody cares. Those who follow badminton understand, but the general public doesn’t grasp the magnitude,” he remarked.
The duo also reflected on India’s 2022 Thomas Cup triumph, which, despite being a landmark achievement, did not receive sustained nationwide celebration. They stressed that while government support and federation initiatives have improved, broader public engagement remains lacking.
Rankireddy went a step further, expressing concern about encouraging future generations to take up the sport professionally amid limited recognition. Despite the disappointment, the team acknowledged small gestures of appreciation at training centres as meaningful.
The episode has reignited debate about India’s sporting culture, underlining the need to celebrate achievements beyond cricket and build a more inclusive ecosystem for all disciplines.