Badminton

A month ago, Kolkata Knight Riders' rising star Angkrish Raghuvanshi sparked controversy with a tweet mocking badminton ace Saina Nehwal's comments on cricket's perceived lack of risk. Nehwal, in a recent interview, had called for more support and facilities for non-cricket sports, citing the sport's popularity despite its lower level of challenge compared to badminton, basketball, and tennis.Raghuvanshi's tweet, which he later deleted, read: "Let's see how she goes when Bumrah bowls 150k's bumpers at her head." The tweet drew widespread criticism, prompting Raghuvanshi to remove it.In a recent podcast interview, Nehwal responded to Raghuvanshi's tweet, stating that she would not be able to face Bumrah's bowling without proper training, just as Bumrah would not be able to handle her 300kmph smash in badminton."Why would I face Jasprit Bumrah anyways? If I had been playing for 8 years maybe I would have answered Jasprit Bumrah," Nehwal said. "If Jasprit Bumrah plays badminton with me maybe he won't be able to take my smash."Nehwal emphasized the need for equal support and facilities for all sports, arguing that it would lead to greater success at the global level. "How many badminton academies do we have? (And then) think about how many in cricket...If that many academies are there (for badminton), best facilities, why won't we get quality players," she said.Nehwal's comments have sparked a debate about the importance of supporting non-cricket sports in India. While cricket remains the most popular sport in the country, many argue that other sports deserve equal attention and resources to foster a more diverse and successful sporting culture.

KKR's Angkrish Raghuvanshi Mocks Saina Nehwal, Sparking Debate on Sports InequalityKolkata Knight Riders batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi has ignited a heated debate on sports inequality in India after mocking badminton star Saina Nehwal on social media. The controversy erupted after Nehwal claimed that sports like badminton, tennis, and basketball require greater physical exertion than cricket, while criticizing fans for prioritizing cricket over other sports.In a now-deleted post on social media, Raghuvanshi took a jab at Nehwal, writing, "Let's see how she goes when Bumrah bowls 150k's bumper at her head." Nehwal responded indirectly, asserting that star pacer Jasprit Bumrah would struggle to handle her smash."How will you become Virat at that level? How will you become Rohit Sharma? So many players have to become like them. They can't. Only a few of them are like that. But I just feel that it's more of a skill-based sport. And bowlers, I agree. I won't die there. Why would I face Jasprit Bumrah anyways? If I had been playing for 8 years maybe I would have answered Jasprit Bumrah," Nehwal said on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast."If Jasprit Bumrah plays badminton with me maybe he won't be able to take my smash. We should not fight with ourselves in our own country for these things. That's what I want to say. Every sport is best in its place. But I want to say give value to other sports as well. Otherwise, where will we get sporting culture from? And cricket, Bollywood will always be our focus," added the 2012 London Olympics bronze medalist.Nehwal also highlighted the disparity in facilities and support between cricket and other sports in India, contributing to the country's struggles to win medals at the Olympics.Raghuvanshi, who made his IPL debut in 2024 and had a successful season with KKR, has since apologized for his comments. However, the incident has sparked a wider discussion about the need for greater recognition and support for non-cricket sports in India.

Indian badminton star Parupalli Kashyap recently shared an unforgettable encounter with legendary cricketer MS Dhoni at a wedding. Kashyap, a former Commonwealth Games gold medalist and husband of former world no. 1 shuttler Saina Nehwal, initially introduced himself as Saina's spouse, assuming that Dhoni might not recognize him.However, to Kashyap's surprise, Dhoni not only recognized him but also addressed him as a fellow teammate. "I met Dhoni at a wedding recently. I introduced myself as Saina's husband. I thought I am Saina's plus one here so some people who follow sport might recognize me. I am a cricket and Dhoni fan. So, when I met him, he told me 'pata hai bhai. I play badminton. I know who you are and you don't need to tell me that you are Saina's husband.' He spoke to me like a friend, as if I am his teammate," Kashyap recounted on Nikhil Tho Natakalu's podcast.Dhoni, fondly known as Thala, is a revered figure in Indian cricket, having led the team to three ICC trophies and Chennai Super Kings to five IPL titles. His exceptional batting skills and astute leadership have earned him immense respect and admiration.Kashyap, on the other hand, has made significant contributions to Indian badminton. He was awarded the Arjuna Award in 2012 for becoming the first Indian men's badminton player to reach the quarterfinals at the Olympics. He also clinched the gold medal in men's singles at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.The meeting between Kashyap and Dhoni highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists within the Indian sporting fraternity. It also underscores the growing popularity of badminton in India, which has produced world-class players like Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu.

KKR's Angkrish Raghuvanshi Apologizes for Controversial Comment on Saina NehwalKolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batsman Angkrish Raghuvanshi has issued an apology for his controversial comment directed towards Indian badminton icon Saina Nehwal. The incident occurred in the context of a broader discussion surrounding the recognition and rewards for athletes across different sports in India.Following India's victory in the ICC T20 World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a substantial cash prize for the team members. However, the Maharashtra government's decision to award cash rewards specifically for their state cricketers drew criticism from prominent Indian badminton player Chirag Shetty.Echoing a similar sentiment, Saina Nehwal expressed her concerns about the disproportionate attention and recognition that cricket receives compared to other sports in India. She highlighted the consistent performances and achievements of athletes in other sports, such as badminton, wrestling, and boxing.Reacting to Nehwal's comments, Raghuvanshi posted a controversial remark on social media, suggesting that she would struggle to face fast bowling from Jasprit Bumrah. The comment drew widespread criticism, prompting Raghuvanshi to delete his post and issue an apology."I'm sorry everyone, I meant my remarks as a joke, looking back I think it was a really immature joke. I realize my mistake and I sincerely apologize," Raghuvanshi said.The incident has sparked a debate about the need for greater recognition and support for athletes in non-cricket sports in India. Critics argue that the dominance of cricket in the media and public consciousness has led to a lack of appreciation for other sports and their athletes.

Indian badminton star Chirag Shetty has expressed his disappointment over the Maharashtra government's decision to felicitate the T20 World Cup-winning Indian cricket team while ignoring his own achievements. Shetty, who was part of the Indian badminton team that won the prestigious Thomas Cup in 2022, believes that the government should treat all sports equally."Thomas Cup is equivalent to winning the World Cup," Shetty said. "I was part of the Indian badminton team which won its maiden title, shocking champions Indonesia in the final. I was the only Maharashtra player in the Indian team. When the government can honor World Cup-winning cricket stars, they should also recognize my efforts. Government should treat any other sport equally."Shetty's comments come after the Maharashtra government felicitated the Indian cricket team with a cash prize of ₹11 crore for their historic T20 World Cup victory. The team was also given a heroes' welcome in New Delhi and Mumbai.Shetty, along with his doubles partner Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, has achieved remarkable success in recent years. The duo won the Commonwealth Games gold medal, a bronze at the World Championships in 2022, and a gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games. They also claimed the French Open and Thailand Open title wins this year."I have nothing against cricket," Shetty said. "In fact, we all badminton players watched the T20 World Cup final live on TV and celebrated enthusiastically. We are happy and proud about their sensational win against South Africa in the final. Similarly, we had also achieved something remarkable a couple of years ago, but the state government did not even felicitate me, leave apart giving any cash rewards. Before 2022, the Indian badminton team had never even reached the semifinals but we created history by winning the title."Shetty's comments have sparked a debate about the importance of recognizing achievements in all sports. Many believe that the government should provide equal support and recognition to all athletes, regardless of their sport.