BAI national camp underway, raises eyebrows over players selection

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) national camp is currently underway (from September 16), following a disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics where Indian shuttlers failed to secure any medals. However, this latest camp has sparked controversy, with several questionable selections and omissions raising eyebrows in the badminton community.

InsideSport can confirm exclusively that the national camp organised by BAI will end on December 31 after commencing from September 16.

Key players left out National Badminton Camp

The camp has drawn attention for the absence of certain prominent players. National champion Chirag Sen, who many expected to be a part of the squad, has been omitted. This decision has baffled many, considering his recent performances on the national stage. Additionally, India’s highest-ranked mixed doubles pair, Sumeeth Reddy and N. Sikki Reddy, have also been excluded from the camp.

The BAI has come under fire for what appears to be a lack of focus on grooming future talents. Young players like Ayush Shetty, Satish Karunakaran, and Tasnim Mir, who have shown promise, have been left out, raising concerns about the association’s commitment to developing the next generation of badminton stars.

Ashwini Ponnappa surprising Inclusion

One of the most talked-about decisions is the inclusion of Ashwini Ponnappa in the camp. Ponnappa, who has retired from Olympic competition, has left fans and experts puzzled about her role in the camp. Her selection has raised questions, especially when younger players are being overlooked.

Partners Missing in Action

Some of the selected players, such as Ishaan Bhatnagar, Vishnu Vardhan Goud, and MR Arjun, are attending the camp, but without their regular partners. This decision has left many wondering how these players will perform in the absence of their usual teammates.

Badminton Association of India camp details

The camp is being held at two locations: the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy (PGBA) in Hyderabad and the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy (PPBA) in Bengaluru. The camp will run from September 16 to December 31, 2024.

A total of 45 campers, including players, coaches, support staff, and fitness trainers, will be attending the camp.

The overall expenditure of ₹1.5 crore is aimed at ensuring top-class training conditions, but the questionable player selections cast a shadow over the camp’s potential success.

List of Players:

• PGBA Hyderabad:

1. HS Prannoy
2. Kidambi Srikanth
3. Priyanshu Rajawat
4. Satwik Sai Raj
5. Chirag Shetty
6. Dhruv Kapila
7. MR Arjun
8. Vishnu Vardhan Goud
9. Krishna Prasad Garga
10. Sai Parteek Krishna Prasad
11. Ishaan Bhatnagar
12. Gayatri Gopichand
13. Treesa Jolly
14. Ashwini Ponnappa
15. Tanisha Crasto

• PPBA Bengaluru:

1. Lakshya Sen
2. Mithun Manjunath
3. Kiran George
4. PV Sindhu
5. Ashmita Chaliha

Coaches and Support Staff:

• PGBA Hyderabad:

1. Pullela Gopichand (Chief Coach)
2. Arun Vishnu (Coach)
3. RMV Guru Saidutt (Coach)
4. Yamini Sharma (Female Coach)
5. CH Deepthi (Female Coach)
6. P Kashyap (Coach)
7. Manu Attri (Assistant Coach Doubles)
8. Kiran Challagundla (Physio)
9. Johnson Solomon (Physio)
10. Sumansh Shivalanka (Physio)
11. Gayatri Shetty (Physio)
12. Srinivas Rao (Masseur)
13. Nishant Nagapuri (Masseur)
14. Raju Lomada (Fitness Trainer)
15. Ganesh SR (Fitness Trainer)
16. Sushmita Rani Patil (Fitness Trainer)

• PPBA Bengaluru:

1. U Vimal Kumar (Coach)
2. DK Sen (Coach)
3. Sagar Chopda (Coach)

As the camp kicks off, there will be intense scrutiny over these decisions. The exclusion of certain key players and the inclusion of veterans like Ashwini Ponnappa may well define the narrative for Indian badminton leading into future international competitions.