Indian badminton star Satwiksairaj Rankireddy has expressed disappointment over the lack of recognition and support for badminton players in India after the team returned with a bronze medal from the Thomas Cup.
India won the bronze medal in the tournament before losing to France in the semi-finals. It was India’s second medal finish in the last three editions of the Thomas Cup.
After returning from Denmark, Satwik shared an emotional message on social media, saying no one from the government or badminton association came to receive the team at the airport.
“Back home now. As usual, no one knows what happened over the past two weeks, and it seems like no one really cares,” he wrote.
In an interview, Satwik said he feels sad that badminton players often go unnoticed despite representing India at the highest level.
He revealed that the team even designed and printed their own Thomas Cup jerseys because there was no official arrangement. The players also sold some T-shirts and donated the money to charity.
Satwik said the players are not asking for money or luxury treatment, but only basic appreciation and support.
“We just want someone to say congratulations or welcome us back,” he said.
The badminton star also compared the situation to cricket, saying sports other than cricket still struggle to get attention in India.
He recalled how India’s 2022 Thomas Cup win was expected to change badminton in the country, similar to how the 1983 Cricket World Cup changed Indian cricket. However, he said he has not seen much improvement in recognition or support since then.
Satwik even shared that sometimes he feels social media influencers receive more attention than sportspersons who win medals for the country.
He also said he does not receive much support from the Andhra Pradesh government and worries that future badminton players may face the same situation.
Satwik and his doubles partner Chirag Shetty are among the most successful doubles pairs in Indian badminton history. Despite their achievements, Satwik said the lack of recognition continues to hurt.
