Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Padukone calls for focus on mental training after Lakshya Sen’s Olympic struggles

He stressed that players must start delivering results, especially after receiving substantial support.

Padukone calls for focus on mental training after Lakshya Sen’s Olympic struggles

EXPRESSING disappointment over Lakshya Sen's inability to handle pressure in the bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics, legendary badminton player Prakash Padukone emphasised on Monday (5) the urgent need for athletes to develop mental resilience and accountability.

Padukone stressed that players must start delivering results, especially after receiving substantial support.


The former All England champion called for India to prioritise mental training for its athletes to help them better cope with high-pressure situations.

He also recommended that India adopt a system similar to China’s, where success is not dependent on just one player, but on nurturing a continuous pipeline of talent.

"We cannot remain satisfied just having one player. We need to focus on the next line, maybe even the third line. Like they do in cricket. You have the main team, then the 'A' team, then the under-19 team, under-17 team. So we need to focus. There is a lot of talent, there is absolutely no doubt but a combined effort is required," Padukone told reporters.

"And a little bit of effort from the players also. A little more responsibility, a little more accountability. Not just ask for whatever you ask for. Once you are given that, you also have to be accountable. I think the players have to learn to take responsibility," Padukone added.

Sen squandered an opening game advantage and an 8-3 lead in the second to go down 21-13 16-21 11-21 to Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia in the 71-minute clash.

Padukone said the 22-year-old from Almora needs both – mind training as well game improvement. "He needs to work a little bit, when he's playing with the wind. Everybody has a problem but I think he has more problem than others. If you saw the first game, the Malaysian played a lot of them and went out. You were not able to control so it happens but you must learn to control and make less mistakes.

"Mistakes will happen, everybody is comfortable playing against the wind because you can play freely without any hesitation but Lakshya probably needs both. A little bit of mind training and the focus on mind training plus a little bit of practice and a little better control he needs to work on the court as well."

For Padukone, it was pressure that got to Sen, who wilted when Lee unleashed his power-packed strokes. "Earlier we were not even getting to number four. One thing is very clear, we need to focus more on mind training. We don't give enough attention for sports psychology which is very important," Padukone said.

"In the Olympics, if you've seen a lot of top players have all lost, not because they were not good technically or physically but because they couldn't handle the pressure. Olympics is all about handling pressure so all the more important that we pay more attention to mind, do meditation, yoga."

Padukone felt that shooter Manu Bhaker probably could do well because she was not under pressure. "People who are favorites are always under pressure and have not done so well as expected. Most of our medals even in the earlier Olympics have come from people whom we have not expected anything because there is no pressure."

India have roped in several foreign coaches and Padukone, who trains PV Sindhu, said it's time that India bring sports psychologists from aborad.

"It's high time we have foreign sports psychologist also. This is not to take away anything from the Indian sports psychologist. Some of them are good but I think high time you know the players also realise the importance of sports psychology," he said.

"It cannot be done just just three months before the Olympics or if somebody wants to do well in the next Olympics they have to start right now and be at it throughout only then will it make a difference."

Padukone did not agree that India badminton is facing a tennis-like situation, where there is a big vacuum and no one could replace Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi and Sania Mirza.

"I don't think it is as bad as it is in tennis. We have players. Maybe some of them are still very young. We need to focus on them. Generally in Indian sports, what has happened is, when we get a star, there is too much focus on just one player and we don't pay enough attention to the next line of players.

"That is where the federation needs to focus a little more. There is a big vacuum in the ladies' singles. In men's singles, Lakshya is still young, Priyanshu (Rajawat) is doing reasonably well. I am not saying that it is good enough but at least there is some talent.

"But women's, I see there are young girls, 3-4 of them. Maybe some of them are 13, 14, 16, 17. So I don't know whether they will be ready for the next Olympics but we need to identify such talent." (PTI)

More For You

SRH vs DC IPL 2025: The Ultimate Clash Between Hyderabad and Delhi

Both teams are coming off contrasting results in their previous games

Getty

IPL 2025 - SRH vs DC: Thrilling showdown between Hyderabad and Delhi awaits

The 10th match of IPL 2025 will see Delhi Capitals (DC) locking horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, March 30. Both teams are coming off contrasting results in their previous games, and this match promises to be a gripping contest, with several exciting player battles to watch out for.

Match overview

Delhi Capitals are fresh off a thrilling one-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants. Chasing a formidable 210, DC's middle-order showed resilience, with Tristan Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma forming a crucial 48-run partnership after an early collapse. Vipraj Nigam’s late cameo and Ashutosh’s calm composure at the death saw DC edge out a nail-biting finish with three balls to spare.

Keep ReadingShow less
RR vs CSK

Both teams coming off contrasting starts to their campaigns

Getty

IPL 2025 - RR vs CSK: Rajasthan takes on Chennai in high-stakes battle


The electrifying action of IPL 2025 continues as Rajasthan Royals (RR) lock horns with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in match number 11 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, March 30. With both teams coming off contrasting starts to their campaigns, this clash promises to be a thrilling battle of experience, skill, and determination.

Keep ReadingShow less
Indian and American investors delay Hundred deals: report

FILE PHOTO: The Oval Invincibles celebrate after The Hundred Final between Oval Invincibles and Southern Brave at Lord's Cricket Ground on August 18, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

Indian and American investors delay Hundred deals: report


THE England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has extended the deadline for finalising the £520 million sale of The Hundred franchises after pushback from several prospective owners, particularly the Indian and American investors behind the two London teams.

The eight-week exclusivity window agreed in February has passed without contracts being signed, with negotiations now expected to continue until at least the end of April. While all parties remain committed to completing the deals, several key issues remain unresolved, the Telegraph reported.

Keep ReadingShow less
IPL 2025: RCB crush Chennai as Hazlewood stars

Josh Hazlewood in action during the match against Chennai Super Kings at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. (ANI Photo)

IPL 2025: RCB crush Chennai as Hazlewood stars

TABLE-TOPPING Royal Challengers Bengaluru thrashed Chennai Super Kings by 50 runs on Friday (28) for a second win in this year's IPL, inspired by a "game-changing" performance from fast bowler Josh Hazlewood.

Chasing 197, Chennai wilted despite a late cameo by veteran MS Dhoni who clubbed 30 runs off 16 balls, batting low down at nine in the order.

Keep ReadingShow less
IPL 2025 – GT vs MI: Who Will Secure Their First Win

Both teams eager to secure their maiden win of IPL 2025

Getty

IPL 2025 - GT vs MI: Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians aim for first win

The ninth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will take place on March 29 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, featuring a highly anticipated clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI). Both teams will be keen to register their first win of the season after disappointing starts in their respective opening matches. This game is expected to be a closely fought contest, with each side eager to make an early impact in the tournament.

Gujarat Titans: Seeking redemption after high-scoring defeat

Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, began their IPL 2025 campaign with a high-scoring encounter against the Punjab Kings, but unfortunately ended up on the losing side. Despite some positive individual performances, the team was unable to secure a victory, and they will be keen to turn things around against MI.

Keep ReadingShow less