Badminton a life lesson, not just a sport: Sridhar Babu

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Badminton is not merely a sport but a teacher of life lessons, said D. Sridhar Babu, Minister for IT and Industries and President of the Badminton Association of Telangana (BAT), at the inauguration of the Yonex-Sunrise 79th South Zone Inter-State Badminton Championship-2025 on Tuesday.

The event was hosted at the Heartfulness Gopichand Badminton Academy, Kanha Shantivanam, Ranga Reddy district, under the aegis of BAT. Speaking on the occasion, Sridhar Babu observed that the shuttle’s ability to rise every time it falls is a metaphor for resilience in life.

“Legends like Prakash Padukone, Pullela Gopichand, P.V. Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Satwik, Chirag, and Srikanth have brought immense glory to India through badminton. Young players must emulate their spirit and play not just for points but for the pride of the nation,” he said. The Minister underlined that discipline is the real coach, hard work the true sponsor, and self-belief and determination the greatest strengths of every athlete.

He also reiterated the State government’s commitment to developing world-class sports infrastructure to position Telangana as a global sports hub. The inauguration was attended by Shadnagar MLA K. Shankaraiah, TUFIDC chairman Challa Narsimha Reddy, BAT General Secretary and National Chief Coach Pullela Gopichand, along with several dignitaries.