top of page

By:

Bhalchandra Chorghade

11 August 2025 at 1:54:18 pm

Applause for Cricket, Silence for Badminton

Mumbai: When Lakshya Sen walked off the court after the final of the All England Badminton Championships, he carried with him the disappointment of another near miss. The Indian shuttler went down in straight games to Lin Chun-Yi, who created history by becoming the first player from Chinese Taipei to lift the prestigious title. But the story of Lakshya Sen’s defeat is not merely about badminton final. It is also about the contrasting way India celebrates its sporting heroes. Had the same...

Applause for Cricket, Silence for Badminton

Mumbai: When Lakshya Sen walked off the court after the final of the All England Badminton Championships, he carried with him the disappointment of another near miss. The Indian shuttler went down in straight games to Lin Chun-Yi, who created history by becoming the first player from Chinese Taipei to lift the prestigious title. But the story of Lakshya Sen’s defeat is not merely about badminton final. It is also about the contrasting way India celebrates its sporting heroes. Had the same narrative unfolded on a cricket field, the reaction would have been dramatically different. In cricket, even defeat often becomes a story of heroism. A hard-fought loss by the Indian team can dominate television debates, fill newspaper columns and trend across social media for days. A player who narrowly misses a milestone is still hailed for his fighting spirit. The nation rallies around its cricketers not only in victory but also in defeat. The narrative quickly shifts from the result to the effort -- the resilience shown, the fight put up, the promise of future triumph. This emotional investment is one of the reasons cricket enjoys unparalleled popularity in India. It has built a culture where players become household names and their performances, good or bad, become part of the national conversation. Badminton Fights Contrast that with what happens in sports like badminton. Reaching the final of the All England Championships is a monumental achievement. The tournament is widely considered badminton’s equivalent of Wimbledon in prestige and tradition. Only the very best players manage to reach its final stages, and doing it twice speaks volumes about Lakshya Sen’s ability and consistency. Yet the reaction in India remained largely subdued. There were congratulatory posts, some headlines acknowledging the effort and brief discussions among badminton enthusiasts. But the level of national engagement never quite matched the magnitude of the achievement. In a cricketing context, reaching such a stage would have triggered days of celebration and analysis. In badminton, it often becomes just another sports update. Long Wait India’s wait for an All England champion continues. The last Indian to win the title was Pullela Gopichand in 2001. Before him, Prakash Padukone had scripted history in 1980. These victories remain among the most significant milestones in Indian badminton. And yet, unlike cricketing triumphs that are frequently revisited and celebrated, such achievements rarely stay in the mainstream sporting conversation for long. Lakshya Sen’s journey to the final should ideally have been viewed as a continuation of that legacy, a reminder that India still possesses the talent to challenge the world’s best in badminton. Instead, it risks fading quickly from public memory. Visibility Gap The difference ultimately comes down to visibility and cultural investment. Cricket in India is not merely a sport; it is an ecosystem built over decades through media attention, sponsorship, and mass emotional attachment. Individual sports, on the other hand, often rely on momentary bursts of recognition, usually during Olympic years or when a medal is won. But consistent performers like Lakshya Sen rarely receive the sustained spotlight that their achievements deserve. This disparity can also influence the next generation. Young athletes are naturally drawn to sports where success brings recognition, financial stability and national fame. When one sport monopolises the spotlight, others struggle to build similar appeal. Beyond Result Lakshya Sen may have finished runner-up again, but his performance at the All England Championship is a reminder that India continues to produce world-class athletes in disciplines beyond cricket. The real issue is not that cricket receives immense attention -- it deserves the admiration it gets. The concern is that athletes from other sports often do not receive comparable appreciation for achievements that are equally significant in their own arenas. If India aspires to become a truly global sporting nation, its applause must grow broader. Sporting pride cannot remain confined to one field. Because somewhere on a badminton court, an athlete like Lakshya Sen is fighting just as hard for the country’s colours as any cricketer on a packed stadium pitch. The only difference is how loudly the nation chooses to cheer.

A Leader at 75: Celebrating PM Modi’s Journey

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi turns 75, the nation joins in celebration of not just a personal milestone but a historic era of change, progress, and renewed self-belief for India. His journey, from humble beginnings to the highest office of the world’s largest democracy, continues to inspire millions. Over the last 11 years, Modi’s leadership has left an indelible mark across every sphere of national life—economic reforms, social empowerment, national security, cultural revival, and global diplomacy.


This occasion provides an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary transformation India has witnessed under his stewardship and to look forward with hope to the path ahead.


Economic reforms

In 2014, when Narendra Modi first assumed office, India was at a crossroads. His government immediately focused on stabilizing the economy, rooting out inefficiencies, and creating a framework for sustained growth. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) unified India’s fragmented tax regime into one common market—something that had eluded policymakers for decades.


The Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives have encouraged domestic manufacturing, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. India is today among the world’s top destinations for foreign direct investment, a reflection of the confidence global investors place in its economy.


Meanwhile, projects such as Digital India have transformed governance and commerce. From small shopkeepers to multinational corporations, digital payments and e-governance platforms are now the backbone of economic life. Millions who were once excluded from the financial system have gained access to banking through the Jan Dhan Yojana, symbolizing Modi’s belief that economic growth must be inclusive.


Social Empowerment

Prime Minister Modi has often said that true progress is measured by the dignity it brings to the common citizen. His social programs reflect this principle.


The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2014, changed not just sanitation practices but also social attitudes, with millions of rural households receiving access to toilets for the first time. The Ujjwala Yojana replaced smoky chulhas with clean LPG connections, directly improving the health of women and children in poor households.


Healthcare was revolutionized with Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest public health insurance scheme, which has given millions of families financial protection and access to hospitals. Meanwhile, initiatives such as PM Awas Yojana and 100% rural electrification brought basic dignity and comfort to the poorest citizens.


These programs showcase Modi’s philosophy of turning welfare into empowerment—giving people not just assistance, but opportunities to build a better life.


National security

India’s standing as a strong and secure nation has grown significantly under Modi’s leadership. His government has modernized the armed forces, accelerated defense procurement, and invested in indigenous defense production.


When faced with cross-border aggression, Modi has displayed decisive resolve, as seen in the surgical strikes of 2016 and the Balakot airstrikes of 2019. These actions sent a strong message that India would not hesitate to defend its sovereignty.


Infrastructure along sensitive border regions has also been strengthened, ensuring preparedness and security in a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.


A strong global voice

On the international stage, Narendra Modi has repositioned India as a key player in shaping global conversations. From hosting the G20 Summit to leading the International Solar Alliance, his diplomacy has highlighted India’s role as both a rising power and a responsible global leader.


His ability to forge strong personal relationships with world leaders has elevated India’s profile. At the same time, his insistence on being the “Voice of the Global South” has ensured that the concerns of developing nations are heard at the highest global forums. Today, India is seen as a bridge between East and West, North and South—a nation confident in its identity yet open to global partnerships.


Cultural pride

Alongside economic and political transformation, Modi has spearheaded a renaissance of India’s cultural and civilizational identity. His government has promoted Yoga and Ayurveda on the global stage, leading to the recognition of International Day of Yoga by the United Nations.


The completion of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, long awaited by millions, marked a milestone in India’s cultural resurgence. Investments in heritage restoration, spiritual tourism, and cultural diplomacy have given India new pride in its timeless traditions.

As Narendra Modi turns 75, his personal journey continues to inspire millions. Happy 75th Birthday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. May your journey continue to inspire generations and lead India toward an even brighter future.


(The writer is a BJP official based in Thane. Views personal.)

Comments

bottom of page