Badminton great said that Indian shuttlers' inconsistency on the world stage stemmed from a failure to plan properly and they should stop playing in every Super Series event to boost their rankings
Prakash Padukone (centre) poses with Suprakash Mukhopadhay, chairman of Tata Sports (left), and Amar Sinhji
Badminton great Prakash Padukone has said that Indian shuttlers' inconsistency on the world stage stemmed from a failure to plan properly and they should choose their tournaments wisely instead of playing in every Super Series event to boost their rankings.
Prakash Padukone (centre) poses with Suprakash Mukhopadhay, chairman of Tata Sports (left), and Amar Sinhji. Pic/Bipin Kokate
"It's not just about Saina (Nehwal), PV Sindhu or P Kashyap. I feel that all the top Indian shuttlers should select tournaments wisely. They are inconsistent, as they are not planning properly. Even when they are not fit you will find them playing every Super Series event. They are over-emphasising on rankings.
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I would tell the players to concentrate more on their performances instead," said Padukone on the sidelines of the announcement of the seventh edition of the Tata Open International Challenge (December 10-14) at CCI.
He added that if players play well, it would eventually reflect in their rankings. "You should have self belief. Whatever tournament they are participating in, they should play to their potential.
That will ensure that they avoid injuries and they will start fresh for the next tournament. If you perform well, that will automatically reflect in your rankings," said the former All England champion.
Meanwhile, Saina's coach, Vimal Kumar, felt that players should aim to maintain their form. "Saina and Sindhu have reached a level and tried to maintain it.
Like them, all players should aim to be consistent once you reach a certain level. Like for example, Kidambi Srikanth (World No 8) has made a mark and now his aim should be to stick to that level," said Kumar.
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