The Badminton Association of India (BAI) is hosting its inaugural Coaches Development Program – Para Badminton (Grassroot) in Raipur from December 16 to 20. This marks a significant step in enhancing the coaching infrastructure that supports the sport’s rapid growth in the country.
The five-day event brings together coaches from across India for specialized training aimed at 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. Participants will receive comprehensive training that includes both classroom instruction and practical on-court experience.
Key areas of learning include:
– Disability awareness
– Para-sport governance
– Classification systems
– Assistive devices
– Coaching techniques
– Medical support needs
– Event organization
These topics provide participants with a well-rounded understanding of the field.
India’s para-badminton scene is witnessing steady growth, as evidenced by recent successes on the international stage. Indian players secured 18 medals at the 2024 BWF Para-Badminton World Championships, demonstrating their prowess across various categories. This momentum carried into the Summer Paralympics 2024, where India clinched five medals, solidifying its status as a top contender in the sport. With improving standards, a focus on structured coach education is crucial for sustaining this progress.
Sanjay Mishra, General Secretary of BAI, commented, “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 specialized education, we are supporting the sport’s growth in a measured and sustainable way.”
In addition to Khanna, who is recognized as a key figure in India’s para-badminton history and has guided Indian athletes to over 1,000 international medals, the program also receives support from Murali Krishna. Krishna has represented the Indian team at various events, including the World Championships and the Hangzhou Asian Games, as well as numerous international tournaments across Asia, Europe, and Africa.
“Para-badminton demands a specialized coaching approach,” Khanna stated. “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 aims to expand this initiative with similar programs in the future as part of its broader goal to enhance the ecosystem and promote the ongoing development of para-badminton in India.