Belcia Prakash
Young woman playing badminton
The emergence of Indian badminton players such as P.V. Sindhu, B. Sai Praneet and Saina Nehwal as global superstars of the international circuit has sparked unprecedented interest in this racquet game. This fast-reflexes sport has become popular with children and adults alike with some sports commentators ranking it the second most popular game in the country after cricket. Historically, badminton has been played non-competitively in India as a leisure sport for several decades.
The fastest racquet game in the world requires quick thinking and movement, and improves body flexibility and mental concentration. Whether you’re lunging, diving, running and getting your heart pumping, a game of badminton burns around 450 calories. Moreover, playing badminton improves heart health, lowers the production of sugar by the liver, builds muscle strength and improves metabolism.
“Badminton is a fast and flexible sport. Playing this game regularly ensures overall good health and fitness. It enhances blood flow, burns calories, improves body flexibility, induces good sleep, and improves brain functioning. In particular school and college students should play this sport,” advises Jasper David, a Chennai-based sports coach.
With the rising popularity of badminton and mushrooming training academies, children displaying potential have numerous options to play competitively and turn professional. “A rising number of children are opting to play badminton competitively. Typically they start at the school level, moving to zonal, district, state and then to national and international championships. With the game becoming popular, many training centres which offer excellent coaching have sprung up. High levels of physical fitness, quick thinking, well developed arm-eye coordination and body agility are critical requisites to succeed in this game professionally,” says A. Nazar, a retired badminton coach and former district sports officer of Calicut for over 25 years, who also worked with the Indian national badminton team for 16 years.
Its physical fitness and health benefits apart, badminton is an enjoyable leisure sport which can be played by all family members including adults and children.
Popular badminton training academies
- Gopichand Academy, Hyderabad
- Suchitra Academy, Hyderabad
- Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy, Bangalore
- Shasu Sports Badminton Academy, Chennai
- Sports Authority of India’s badminton training centre, Delhi
- Bengal Badminton Academy, Kolkata