The Badminton Association of India (BAI), in collaboration with REC Limited and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), recently concluded a pioneering Coaches Development Program aimed at enhancing the skills of grassroots-level coaches. This initiative, designed to standardize coaching practices and foster a strong pipeline of future badminton talents, was hailed as a significant step forward in Indian badminton.
Spanning 11 days from June 25th to a symbolic conclusion on World Badminton Day, the program was simultaneously conducted at the National Centre of Excellence (NCE) in Guwahati, Assam, and Raipur, Chhattisgarh. It drew 53 participants from 22 states across India, all eager to deepen their understanding of grassroots coaching methodologies.
During the closing ceremony, Taruna Gupta, Executive Director of REC Foundation, graced the event as the chief guest, underscoring the program’s importance and REC’s commitment to sports development.
Sanjay Mishra, Secretary General of BAI, emphasized the crucial role played by grassroots coaches in identifying and nurturing young talent. He expressed, “Grassroots coaches play a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing talent at an early stage. This program equips them with the tools to identify potential stars and lay the foundation for their development. We thank REC and SAI for this collaboration with BAI and supporting us in this initiative.”
Furthermore, Mr Sanjay Mishra continued, “We conducted a similar program earlier in the month of March simultaneously at four cities- Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Raipur and Guwahati which was attended by around 100 participants including a few former players. Participants in their feedback expressed gratitude to the BAI-REC-SAI partnership for the program’s comprehensive approach. They emphasized how it deepened their understanding of coaching nuances and praised the program’s practical insights”
Overall, the Coaches Development Program stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of BAI, REC, and SAI in advancing badminton coaching standards in India. By empowering grassroots coaches, the program aims to create a sustainable pathway for nurturing future champions and elevating the sport nationally and internationally.
