It was evening of recognition for one of the better known badminton coaches - P. Udaya Bhaskar Babu, who retired after nearly a three-decade stint which began when the sport was not the same as it is now.
Parents of the trainees at the Saroornagar Indoor Stadium organised a function where Mr. Bhaskar Babu last worked with his usual commitment and sincerity. He was presented a bracelet and felicitated by the parents in the presence of BAI Secretary (Tournaments) K. Ch. Punnaiah Choudhary and All England champion Pullela Gopichand and a host of former and current badminton players.
“I must say that badminton has attained the current stature because of coaches like Hamid Hussain, Arif Sir, Bhaskar Babu. They started their career when badminton was least cared. I remember those days in early 90s when the sports administrators longed to see us not winning any titles for that would have meant giving new kit. Most of the Nationals were like a picnic for many players,” remarked Chief National Coach Pullela Gopichand. Mr. Gopi also complimented the retired SAI coach for handling all the emotions and challenges involved in coaching.
“There is a big difference between education and coaching in sports. In the former, you spend more time with the best and here in sports you have to spend more time with the less talented to see that they join the performers,” Mr. Gopi said amidst applause.
Former international shuttler J.B.S. Vidyadhar, who was one of the first products of Mr. Bhaskar along with Chetan Anand, recalled the huge influence the coach had on many youngsters from the State.
