From Banda to National champion: Arsh Mohammad’s Rise in Doubles Badminton
Hailing from Banda, Uttar Pradesh, a region designated as ”backward” and receiving special grants, 19-year-old Arsh Mohammad has defied the odds to become a national doubles champion. His journey is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the unwavering support of his family and coaches.
Growing up amidst the rhythmic hum of his father Ashfaq ahmed’s tailoring shop, “New Fashion Tailors,” Arsh was exposed to the world of badminton early on. Ashfaq, a passionate badminton enthusiast himself, nurtured his son’s interest in the sport, recognizing his natural aptitude.
While Arsh initially dabbled in singles, an U13 title win in Tezpur, Assam, coupled with stagnant results in singles competitions, led him to focus on doubles. this decision was wholeheartedly supported by both his father and his coach, Anwar Ali, who recognized Arsh’s potential in the fast-paced, strategic world of doubles badminton.
Arsh’s commitment to the sport saw him relocate to the Gopichand Academy in Noida, a renowned training ground for aspiring badminton players. His quick learning and eagerness to absorb the nuances of doubles play soon earned him a place at the main center in Hyderabad.Partnering with Sanskar Saraswat, Arsh achieved significant success, securing a spot on the Asian U17 india team and clinching a silver medal in Thailand. This success paved the way for their training at the National Centre in Guwahati, where they honed their skills under the guidance of experienced coaches.
Inspired by the achievements of India’s top-ranked doubles pair, Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Arsh has consistently strived to improve his game. He admires Chirag’s defensive prowess and consistency, while also drawing inspiration from the calm and composed demeanor of Indonesian legend Hendra Setiawan.
Arsh’s dedication and unwavering belief in his abilities culminated in a historic victory on tuesday, as he and his partner claimed their first Senior National title.This triumph is a testament to his journey, marked by hard work, perseverance, and the unwavering support of his family and coaches. Arsh’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, proving that with dedication and passion, even those from humble beginnings can achieve greatness on the national stage.
From Tailor shop to Triumph: An Interview with Badminton Legend, Prakash Padukone
Arsh Mohammad’s story, a young man from a small town rising to become a national champion, is one that resonates deeply with me. As someone who witnessed firsthand the transformative power of badminton in my own life, I find Arsh’s journey both inspiring and a true testament to the indomitable spirit within us all.
Today, I’m delighted to welcome a true legend of Indian badminton, the former All England Open champion himself, Prakash Padukone, to our show. Mr. Padukone, welcome.
Prakash Padukone: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss Arsh’s amazing achievements.
Moderator: Arsh’s journey began amidst the familiar rhythms of his father’s tailoring shop in banda. A truly humble beginning. What are your thoughts on the impact of such environments on the development of young athletes?
Prakash padukone: I believe those early environments are fundamental. They shape character, instill a work ethic, and foster a sense of resilience. Arsh’s upbringing in a small town likely instilled in him a strong sense of community and a fierce determination to succeed, which are invaluable qualities in any athlete.
Moderator: Arsh’s father, Ashfaq, played a pivotal role in nurturing his son’s talent. How crucial is parental support in the journey of a young athlete?
Prakash Padukone: It’s absolutely crucial. Parents are the foundation, the unwavering source of encouragement and support. They provide the emotional and logistical support that allows young athletes to nurture their talent. Arsh’s success is a testament to his father’s belief in him and his willingness to sacrifice to see his son succeed.
Moderator: Arsh’s transition from singles to doubles badminton was a turning point. Do you agree with the decision, and what are the key differences between excelling in singles versus doubles?
Prakash Padukone: I do agree with the decision. Sometimes, recognizing your strengths and adapting your focus can be the key to unlocking your true potential. doubles badminton demands a different skill set – superior dialog, coordination, and strategic thinking.Arsh’s success with Sanskar Saraswat showcases his ability to thrive in that habitat.
Moderator:
Arsh cites Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy as his inspiration. Their success has indeed revitalized Indian doubles badminton. what do you think it takes to build consistent, world-class doubles pairs in India?
Prakash Padukone: Building consistent pairs requires a systemic approach. We need to identify talent early, provide them with quality coaching, and ensure they train together consistently. Most importantly, we need to foster a culture of team spirit and camaraderie within our badminton ecosystem.
Moderator: Arsh’s victory signifies a new chapter in Indian badminton. What are your expectations for his future, and what advice would you offer him as he continues to climb the ranks?
Prakash Padukone: Arsh has a radiant future ahead of him. He possesses immense potential and a strong work ethic. My advice is for him to stay focused, keep learning, and never lose sight of the joy of playing the sport.
Moderator: Thank you for those insightful thoughts, Mr. Padukone. This has been a truly inspiring conversation.
Prakash Padukone: My pleasure. Arsh’s story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.
Now, turn to our readers. What are your thoughts on Arsh’s journey and the future of Indian badminton? Share your comments below!
