Indian shuttlers navigate North American tournaments without coaches

Indian badminton players competing in the North American swing of BWF tournaments often face the challenge of travelling without their regular coaches. The time difference and high travel costs make it difficult for full support teams to accompany players. As a result, many emerging shuttlers have to rely on themselves or seek help from other coaches present at the venue.

This year, Devika Sihag performed well in several matches without a coach by her side. Similarly, Ayush Shetty and Tanvi Sharma had deep runs in tournaments, with Ayush even guiding Tanvi from the coach's chair during a match. While the presence of a coach can provide crucial tactical insights, the situation forces players to develop independent thinking and problem-solving skills on court.

Top-funded players like Lakshya Sen are rarely seen without a coach, but academies such as the Bangalore Centre of Excellence encourage players to think on their feet. The Hyderabad group is also comfortable with players supporting each other during matches. Although not ideal, these experiences prepare young players for scenarios where a coach may not be available, even at major events.

One criticism of Indian shuttlers is that they sometimes appear lost without constant guidance. However, learning to gauge court conditions, shuttle movement, and pace changes independently can be beneficial, especially in the fast-paced 15x3-point format. At the halfway mark of each set, players must quickly adapt and make decisions without looking to the bench.

Canadian player Victor Lai, who travels to Asia without his academy coach, hires on-site coaches like Malaysian Lim Yin Siong. He prioritises travelling with a physio and keeps an open mind to new ideas. Similarly, Indian doubles players MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan have sat alongside coach Tan during Satwik-Chirag matches, learning from the sidelines.

While having a coach remains a significant advantage, the financial constraints and logistical challenges mean that Indian shuttlers must be prepared to compete independently. Cultivating a mindset that views this as an opportunity rather than a disadvantage could help players become more resilient and self-reliant on the international stage.