08 October,2026 09:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Prakash Padukone (Pic: PTI)
Legendary player Prakash Padukone has labelled India's badminton campaign at the recent Asian Games as disappointing, adding that the squad should have matched or bettered their previous medal tallies.
Restricted to a single team bronze medal after suffering four separate quarterfinal exits in individual categories, the team's output fell below expectations despite the country's rich depth of talent.
Speaking to reporters during an event to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the Padukone School of Badminton and former Indian cricketer Nilesh Kulkarni's IISM, the 1980 All England champion emphasised that resources are plentiful, placing the responsibility squarely on the athletes.
"I think it was a little disappointing. We should have done much better," Padukone stated.
"I think we had done much better last time. And considering the kind of talent we have, we should have done much better. Even I was expecting at least, if not better, but at least equal to last time's medal tally," he added.
While acknowledging the gruelling year-round calendar, Padukone noted that maintaining competitiveness is entirely possible. He advised elite players to selectively target four or five major tournaments each season to peak effectively rather than trying to win every week.
"They play throughout the year, so it's extremely difficult to be on top all the time for everybody. But I would definitely like the players to be more consistent, and it is possible. It's definitely not a lack of support," Padukone added.
"They have a lot of support. I think they need to put in a little more effort. They are doing well. They did win one big tournament. But they need to be more consistent. I am not saying that you win all the tournaments you play. But at least reach quarters, semis. You win one tournament, and then you lose in the next. In the first round, you lose to somebody. So that, I think, should be avoided," he said.
Pointing to two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu, whose recent Japan Open triumph highlighted her unwavering drive, Padukone urged younger competitors like Lakshya Sen and various doubles pairs to match that hunger and avoid complacency.
(With inputs from PTI)
