Former badminton champion Trupti Murgunde dons new roles

Former badminton player Trupti Murgunde forays into modelling and TV commentary

When former National women’s badminton champion Trupti Murgunde walked the ramp at a Fashion show recently, it was a dream-come-true for the 35-year-old. During her decade-long sports career, Trupti was known for her tactical brilliance on court. She won the National title in 2010 and was a finalist in the Nationals thrice. On the International stage, she was a bronze medallist in the Commonwealth Games and won five golds in the SAF Games. She was also a regular member of the Indian squad for Uber Cup and played several global events with distinction.

Married to former national player, Abhijith Naimpally, Trupti retired in 2012 and has branched out into other areas such as fashion, TV commentary, badminton coach and is also a sports promoter. She talks to MetroPlus on her new roles and the game.

Excerpts:

Badminton to modelling seems like a quite a change, how did it come about?

I was always interested in fashion. I would have gone into that field if I were not a successful badminton player. But after I was through with my sports career, I had the time to do things which I always wanted to do. So, when an offer for modelling came, I took it up. It was my second ramp walk. Initially, I was worried since I was in the company of professional and international models. But once the big moment came, I was okay, probably because the lights were so bright I did not get see the audience!

Are you seriously considering full-time or part–time modelling as a career option?

Modelling and ramp walks are a different world altogether and need professional training. I also have work connected with badminton to do — like coaching, being a TV panellist on the game. I do not mind doing a couple of modelling stints if some good offers come my way.

Post retirement, you have been doing commentaries on the game and also had stints as TV panellist. How was the experience?

I quit active badminton in 2012, had my son in 2014 and took a break till the early 2016. Later, I began commenting on the game for couple of TV channels. When Rio Olympics came along, India Today TV asked me to be a commentator on their panel. I also did it for their Hindi channel. It was nicely done as they created a court atmosphere in the basement of their studio. We discussed the game and the Indian prospects, especially when Sindhu won the silver. I recently did the Walk the Talk show with National coach, Pullela Gopi Chand for DD Sports. It was hectic and I think playing the game was much easier.

What’s been your contribution to coaching and sports development, which you have now taken up seriously?

At the invitation of Gujarat Government, I was helping in such initiatives in Gujarat for a while. I am also associated with programmes like Shuttle Time and am one of the mentor at Sports Q, an outfit which identifies young talents and nurtures them. There is also a sports sponsorship fund under JITO Sports which will support upcoming players financially. I am a mentor there too. I have personally suffered due to the lack of funds to qualify for the Olympics. Hence, I do not want that to happen to other talented sports persons.

How do you view India’s surge in badminton as a world power ?

Indian badminton has shot up. We now have a system in place, proper prior planning, more international exposure for our players. Badminton is now the No1 individual priority sport in India. Indian men too have been making waves on the international scene. Kidambi Srikkanth has just won the Indonesian Open title, where HS Prannoy also put up a great show.

What are your future plans?

I have been named as coach for the Indian junior team for the Junior ABC Championship. I wish to stay connected with the game and do whatever I can for the promotion of young talent. I wish to do all those things which I missed doing in my playing days.