While most coaches/managers from India’s Athens Olympics contingent have cited the familiar “facilities, training, exposure” excuse for non-performance, badminton coach Vimal Kumar’s report has come as a breath of fresh air. Vimal, analysing the performance of his team, has blamed the ‘‘lack of sincere application from all quarters’’ as the reason for failure.The coach has been critical of most of his team members, picking out women’s champion Aparna Popat for special mention. Vimal writes: ‘‘Aparna is found wanting in self-confidence and belief when pitted against top players. Another problem is her service. But at 26, to expect anything from her in the next Olympics will be tough.’’About Abhinn Shyam Gupta, he writes: ‘‘He needs to work on his fitness, side to side movements and left flank defence, because being a very defensive player, it is tough for him to win in international competitions.’’Similarly, about Nikhil Kanetkar, Vimal says that he is yet to realise his full potential, and that his main problem areas are ‘‘strength and fitness’’.Vimal adds that all have close to 10 years’ experience and ‘‘it is time they gave results. Unless that happens, it is tough to expect more from this lot.’’
