Para Badminton Breakthrough: How India's First Grassroots Coach Program Fuels Growth

The five-day event gathers coaches from all over India for specialised training focused on developing long-term capacity in para-badminton.

The course is led by Gaurav Khanna, a Dronacharya Awardee and the national head coach of the Indian para-badminton team. It offers a thorough curriculum that includes classroom instruction and practical on-court training.

Participants learn about disability awareness, para-sport governance, classification systems, assistive devices, coaching techniques, medical support needs, and event organisation, providing a well-rounded understanding of the field.

India's para-badminton scene is experiencing steady growth, demonstrated by ongoing international success. Indian players earned 18 medals at the 2024 BWF Para-Badminton World Championships, showcasing their strength across various categories. This momentum continued at the Summer Paralympics 2024, where India won five medals, cementing its status as a top contender in the sport. As standards improve, focusing on structured coach education becomes more vital for maintaining this progress.

Sanjay Mishra, General Secretary, BAI, said, “This coaching course is an important step in strengthening the ecosystem around para-badminton. The performances of our athletes on the global stage underline both the potential and responsibility we have. By focusing on coach development and specialised education, we are supporting the sport’s growth in a measured and sustainable way.”

In addition to Khanna, known as a key figure in India’s para-badminton history and responsible for guiding Indian athletes to over 1,000 international medals, the programme also receives support from Murali Krishna.

Krishna has represented the Indian team at events such as the World Championships, the Hangzhou Asian Games, and numerous international tournaments across Asia, Europe, and Africa.

“Para-badminton demands a specialised coaching approach,” Khanna said. “As the sport grows, it is essential that coaches understand classification, equipment, movement patterns and athlete care in depth. This course is focused on equipping coaches with that knowledge so they can better support athletes at every level.”

BAI intends to expand this initiative with similar programmes in the future, as part of its larger goal to enhance the ecosystem and promote the ongoing development of para-badminton in India.

- IANS