‘Giving kids exposure to build confidence the key’

NEWDELHI: Among the many factors which help sportspersons rise in their careers is exposure and how they use it to their advantage. No wonder most National Sports Federations these days send their athletes to various countries for training or events, especially ahead of big tournaments, as part of ‘exposure trips’ so that they get used to the conditions and perform better when the time comes.

Getting used to foreign conditions, different set of players, food and travel is part of any upcoming sportsperson’s journey and how they imbibe it into their system is critical for their growth. The more they get used to it, the better.

Same goes for the sport of badminton, especially in juniors.

“In the junior categories like U-13 and all, exposure is very important for kids especially since so many of them are playing (these days).

For example, we took our players to Israel for a tournament. They did well and when they get that kind of exposure, it is a real confidence booster,” said Nikhil Kanetkar, who represented India at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

“Even for players at a slightly higher level, it is again about exposure. Getting to play more tournaments abroad has helped people like Purva Barve and Varun Kapur. It basically gives the kids exposure to build their confidence which is very important,” added the 39-year-old coach, who now runs the Nikhil Kanetkar Badminton Academy in Pune. While Purva is ranked No 8 in girls’ singles in junior world rankings, Varun is No 66 in boys’ singles. Parents of junior badminton players also understand the need for exposure trips. But what is remarkable is how the upcoming shuttlers weave their schedules around schools, exams and what not.

“Any junior player needs a lot of exposure. They need to continuously play and win tournaments. It all depends on the ranking system as your points are valid for a year. So the player has to continuously play and win tournaments otherwise those ranking points will go waste,” said Vinod Kumar Reddy Jakka, father of junior world No 4 and highest ranked Indian in girls’ singles Vaishnavi Reddy Jakka.

“Planning their tournaments, schedules, flights among other things is a Herculean task that every kid has to face and overcome. I have been to 18 countries in the last 11 months (to accompany Vaishnavi),” said the Thailand-based Vinod, whose daughter has qualified for the 2018 Youth Olympics that will be held in Buenos Aires in October.

Talking of parents, they at times can also put pressure on young shuttlers. It is obvious that parents invest a lot more than just money into the careers of their children and that often begins to tell when they start expecting results immediately.

“Sometimes parents are too ambitious especially in the initial stages (of a child’s career). The kids feel pressure which they cannot handle. Like there is pressure to do well at school, it translates into sports too. Parents can also see their children can make a career in sports, hence they want them to win, which I think is the biggest challenges for juniors,” said Mohita Sahdev, the last player from New Delhi to play at the World Championships in 2015.

Mohita also underlined the importance of playing international tournaments which are crucial for a players’ exposure and thus rise.

“These days there is a need to play international tournaments for ranking points because national exposure won’t do. Obviously for those who are financially weak, the challenges are more. Everyone cannot sponsor the trips unless they get support. The needs have increased to play international tournaments,” said the 30-year-old.