Indian Politicians : Reasons for Downfall of Badminton in India

Badminton in India has had moments of glory, thanks to stars like Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu. But the sport’s journey hasn’t been a smooth ride. Several factors have resulted in an unstable scenario for the sport; however, political interference coupled with systemic inefficiency is something that can’t be sidelined.

This article addresses how political intervention and the implications have limited badminton from achieving a uniform growth curve in India.

Budgetary Constraints and Mismanagement

Funds for sports in India seem always to favor cricket, making badminton beg. Even though it performed well in the Olympics and World Championships, budgetary allocations often take a backseat.

It is an area where political leadership controls the purse, and the sport has suffered from strategic investments in grassroots development and exposure on an international scale.

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For example, badminton was dropped out from the 2026 Commonwealth Games on the grounds of cost cutting, leaving Indians with reduced scope and available medals.

These examples clearly reflect the lack of representation by Indian policymakers in the international levels for badminton.

Poor Infrastructural Facilities

Although badminton has grown in urban areas, rural and semi-urban regions, which house vast untapped talent pools, lack proper facilities.

Politicians and sports authorities often fail to prioritize infrastructure projects for less popular sports. As a result, many potential athletes in these regions lack access to quality training centers and equipment.

According to national chief coach Pullela Gopichand of India, infrastructure and systemic pathways have to be developed to nurture talent.

Still, it is inconsistent; sporadic investments and lack of political will are the reasons for the same.

Bureaucratic Red Tape and Political Interference

The bureaucratic inefficiencies in such institutions also contribute to the ineffectiveness of the Badminton Association of India (BAI) like other sports bodies.

Appointment to leadership positions often lacks technical know-how, commitment, or ability to identify the real needs of the sport, resulting in undue delays in training programs, national leagues, and funding to athletes.

For instance, bureaucratic bottlenecks have already seen lack of foreign coaches to train the players. Eminent coaches like Kim Ji Hyun left the country citing administrative apathy that directly affected the performance of Indian shuttlers.

Grassroots programs were neglected

Grassroots initiatives-the cornerstone for long-term talent development-have been sporadic at best. While corporate sponsors periodically fill in the gaps, the absence of government-backed structured programs severely constrains the reach and impact of these efforts.

Political leaders often prioritize short-term achievements such as inaugurating facilities or attending sports events over ensuring the sustainability of support systems.

Lack of Strategic Vision

Success of Indian badminton in last decade came from individual brilliance rather than systemic support. Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu have benefited from private academies and individual sponsors.

However, the lack of a coherent national strategy means that these successes have not translated into a strong foundation for the next generation.

Gopichand observes the need for clear systems in identifying and nurturing talent early ​.Often, this vision is thwarted by fragmented policies and competing interests for political influence in various sports bodies.

Exclusion from Major Competitions

Besides, badminton’s exclusion from the 2026 Commonwealth Games is another blow to its prestige in India. Politicians and sports authorities have been condemned for not lobbying sufficiently to restore the sport.

The exclusion will further lower the morale of the athletes and reduce opportunities to make Indian talent shine on the global level​.

Solutions and the Way Forward

The way to revive the sport is by definitive action taken by policymakers.

1. Increase Funding: Allocate a high percentage of the sports budget to badminton, with investments in infrastructure, coaching, and international exposure.

2. Promote Grassroot Programs: Schemes must be designed to get the indication of having this talent pool in rural and semi-urban regions.

3. Remove Bureaucratic Barriers: The administrative process needs to be smoothed so that the training programs and international participations take place on time.

4. Focus on Sustainable Development: Develop a long-term strategy involving private and public partnerships to ensure consistent support for athletes.

Indian badminton, quite convincingly, has shown a huge amount of promise; however, it finds itself in a declinatory trend due to political inefficiencies and lack of focus. With concerted efforts from the government and sports authorities, these barriers can be overcome.

Prioritizing systemic improvements and advocating the sport at global platforms will ensure Indian badminton gets back on an upward trajectory and inspires the coming generation of shuttlers.