Satwiksairaj Rankireddy Calls for Greater Recognition of Indian Athletes

The Voice of Indian Badminton

For many years, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy has been a prominent figure in Indian badminton, particularly in men's doubles. Together with Chirag Shetty, he has set numerous records for India, including being former World No. 1. Their remarkable achievements were pivotal in India's historic victory at the Thomas Cup in 2022. They also made history as the first Indian duo to secure badminton gold at the Asian Games in 2023, in addition to winning eight BWF World Tour titles, which include a double victory at the Thailand Open and French Open. This level of success has never been seen before in Indian badminton doubles. Currently ranked fourth globally, they are trailblazers in the sport.

Despite their impressive accomplishments, many fans of Indian sports remain unaware of their success. Their victories have not garnered the recognition they truly deserve. Recently, Satwik expressed his feelings about the indifference shown towards them by a significant portion of the sports community, which brought him into the limelight. His candid remarks revealed a deep emotional struggle.

In an interview organized by the Sports Authority of India, Satwik shared the emotional void he experienced after India secured a bronze medal at the Thomas Cup in Denmark. His poignant statement about not wanting his children to pursue badminton due to the lack of recognition for athletes sparked a significant reaction on social media.

“It’s okay if I’m seen as the villain. In the last six months, I’ve been pondering whether only those who do wrong things gain popularity. As athletes, we don’t seek grand rewards or prize money,” Satwik remarked. His words resonated because they came from an athlete who has consistently performed well for the nation. The bronze medal at the Thomas Cup marked only the second medal for India in the tournament's 77-year history, following their historic win in 2022. However, Satwik felt that the reception upon their return was lackluster and almost unnoticed.

Reflecting on the culture of fandom in India, Satwik criticized the disparity in recognition. “When Chirag’s celebratory dance video went viral, I felt joy. But I couldn’t help but notice how trivial content can amass millions of followers. Here we are, striving to win, and if we get injured, there’s no one to replace us. We compete under immense pressure in team events, yet even a title didn’t seem to matter last time,” he stated. He lamented how few people even inquired about the medal the Indian team had won. For someone who has dedicated years to promoting Indian badminton globally, the silence was painful.

As reactions surged online, Satwik took to social media to clarify his intentions. The 24-year-old emphasized that his comments were not aimed at seeking fame or undermining the achievements of athletes in other sports. “The past few days have drawn significant attention to my comments regarding the lack of reception for our Thomas Cup bronze medal. While I appreciate the support, I want to clarify my intent as many seem to have misunderstood my point,” he wrote. “My words were not about seeking personal fame or diminishing anyone else's accomplishments. I respect every athlete who brings honor to India, regardless of their sport,” he added.

Satwik expressed his desire for a genuine sporting culture. “My message was straightforward: we need to cultivate a culture that acknowledges and celebrates every victory, big or small. Whether it’s a World Cup medal or a podium finish at a global championship like the Thomas Cup, these achievements represent years of dedication and hard work. When such milestones are met with silence, it feels disheartening not just for us, but for future generations of Indian athletes who are observing,” he concluded.

His sentiments echoed the voices of many athletes competing outside the overwhelming spotlight of cricket—players who endure years of struggle through injuries, pressure, and uncertainty, often without widespread acknowledgment. “We don’t seek money or grand parades; we simply want to know that our country is watching and that our efforts are recognized. Let’s unite to support all sports with equal passion. Next time, let’s celebrate everyone who wears the India jersey. Thank you for your support. Let’s continue to play for our flag,” Satwik signed off.