Frustration with BAI:
Paralympic champion Nitesh Kumar, frustrated by the Badminton Association of India (BAI), urges that para badminton be moved under the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).
Seeking Equal Recognition:
The 29-year-old athlete believes para badminton players deserve the same treatment as able-bodied athletes and better recognition for their achievements.
Lack of Acknowledgment:
Despite winning medals at international events, Kumar criticized BAI’s lack of basic appreciation for para badminton players, particularly after their success in Paris.
Social Media vs. Reality:
Kumar expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that occasional social media praise from BAI is not enough to address the deep-rooted issues in para badminton’s administration.
Call for PCI Control:
He called on the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and BAI to hand over para badminton to the PCI, which has shown a stronger commitment to supporting para sports.
Administrative Challenges:
Kumar outlined several logistical issues, including late bookings, missed tournament entries, and delays in payments, all of which hinder player preparation.
Inefficient Support:
The Paralympic champion highlighted the inefficiency of BAI’s administrative system, which often places too much responsibility on too few people.
Logistical Nightmares:
Para athletes often face last-minute flight bookings, unbooked hotel rooms, and waiting for transport due to unpaid fees, adding unnecessary stress to their schedules.
Resolution Needed:
Kumar emphasized that addressing these issues is crucial, especially during qualification periods, to provide players with the support they need.
Raising Concerns:
Kumar recently discussed these issues with the sports minister, who assured him that the concerns would be looked into to improve the situation for para athletes.
Seeking Proper Administration:
Kumar’s primary demand is a dedicated administrative team to manage para badminton effectively, ensuring timely decisions and improving overall player experience.