Paris Olympics: Badminton world divided over Prakash Padukone's statement, Ponnappa expressed disagreement; Jwala supported

After the disappointing performance of Indian badminton players in the Paris Olympics, differences are now emerging in the badminton community over the statement of legendary player Prakash Padukone. The criticism of the players' efforts by legendary player Prakash Padukone after Lakshya Sen's shocking defeat in the bronze medal match has divided the badminton fraternity. Doubles player Ashwini Ponnappa said that his comments are like blaming others to avoid accountability. However, veteran player Jwala Gutta has supported Prakash Padukone's words.

Sen on Monday lost a 21-13, 16-21, 11-21 to Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia after losing an 8-3 lead in the second game after winning the opening game and missing out on a bronze medal. Shocked by Sen's coming under pressure, former veteran Prakash Padukone had on Monday said it was time for players to learn to handle pressure, be accountable, and start delivering results after getting full support from the government.

Ponnappa, who along with her women's doubles partner Tanisha Crasto made a group stage exit at the Olympics, did not agree with Padukone's comments. "It was disappointing to see this. If a player wins, everyone is ready to take credit. If they lose, how is it just the player's fault? Why are coaches not held responsible for the lack of preparation of players? They are the first ones to take credit for a win. Why don't they also take responsibility for their players' losses?" she wrote in an Instagram story. Winning requires a team effort and defeat is also the responsibility of the team. You cannot suddenly put all the blame on the player.

Veteran Jwala Gutta, who won the World Championship bronze medal with Ponnappa, however, supported Padukone's words. She wrote on Instagram, "Yes, players can also take responsibility… why not? Players, when they win, get prize money… do they share it with their coach or staff? If a coach is saying that players also need to take more responsibility after reaching a certain stage in the tournament, then the player should do so."

The star badminton pair Parupalli Kashyap and Saina Nehwal believe that criticism is important, but it is not right to question the commitment of the players. In a post shared on Instagram, he said, "Many tough questions will be asked of our Indian Olympic team after the game is over in a few days and that is right too. We failed when it mattered the most. It is our right to ask the players about it and criticize them, but we cannot question the commitment of all the 117 athletes representing the country. All of them have shed their blood, sweat, and tears to reach the Olympics.