Abhinav Bindra, Viren Rasquinha seek empathy for athletes after Prakash Padukone's scathing remarks

Former India Olympians Abhinav Bindra and Viren Rasquinha sought empathy for the current crop after badminton legend Prakash Padukone blasted athletes for missing out on medals at the ongoing Paris Olympics. Padukone, current India badminton coach, witnessed Lakshya Sen bow out in fourth place on Monday (August 5) and add to flurry of missed medals.

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India have had multiple cases of so near yet so far at the Paris Olympics. Shooters Arjun Babuta , Manu Bhaker , Maheshwari Chauhan-Anant Jeet Singh Naruka ; archers Dhiraj Bommadevara-Ankita Bhakat and now Sen have come narrowly close to winning a medal.

Instead, India's current tally reads three - all bronzes in shooting - and are glaring at the possibility of poorer show than the high of seven medals at Tokyo 2020.

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Even though Sen created history with his deep run , Padukone didn’t mince any words on India’s lacklustre show.

“After Milkha Singh in 64′ and PT Usha in the 80s, we have so many fourth-place finishes. It’s work in progress but not at the pace which is required, but I think that it’s high time that the players also take responsibility.” former All England champion said.

“Atleast for the results in this Olympics and the previous one, you cannot hold the federations and government responsible for the results. They have all done whatever they can. Ultimately the responsibility is on the players to go an deliver when it matters the most.”

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“Ultimately, you know, everybody, even the federation, the foundation, the academies, government have done its bit. We can provide everything we can. Ultimately, they also have to take responsibility and deliver when it matters the most. Because it’s not that, you know, we are expecting they’ve beaten the same players in some other tournaments.” Padukone said.

“Players also need to introspect and cannot just keep asking for more and more and more from the federations. Maybe, you know, the players are not working hard enough. You know, maybe it is not enough to get a medal at the Olympics.” he added.

In response to Padukone’s remarks, Bindra, a Beijing 2008 gold medallist, said, “Competing at an Olympics is an extraordinary challenge. It is a testament to the dedication and sacrifice of every athlete. I am incredibly proud of the fight by athletes who have finished fourth at the Paris Olympics. It is a difficult time for them but to come so close to a medal is a monumental achievement. It is important to recognise the hard work of not just the athletes but their coaches, support staff and families. We must always and always stand by our athletes,” he was quoted as saying by RevSportz Global.

“This is the essence of sport. Not everyone can win but in their relentless pursuit, they’ve already proven themselves as winners. There will always be a time to re-assess preparations and training but that time is not now. Now, we must celebrate each of our athletes who represent the hopes and dreams of 1.4 billion Indians. They’ve made us proud and inspired us all.”

There are already 5 athletes/events where India has finished 4th #Paris2024

It is very hard on them, their families & & people who work with them 24/7. There is a time to be tough on our athletes and there is a time to be empathetic. 

Understanding what to do when is crucial

— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) August 5, 2024

Rasquinha, a former India hockey player and now expert on JioCinema for the Olympics coverage, posted on X, “There are already 5 athletes/events where India has finished 4th #Paris2024. It is very hard on them, their families & & people who work with them 24/7. There is a time to be tough on our athletes and there is a time to be empathetic. Understanding what to do when is crucial”