Opinion Badminton’s wind of change
That Ratchanok Inthanon,the new world champion,is nothing like the interchangeable Chinese champions
Anyone who apologises with head bowed and folded hands for a bodyline smash to an opponent in the middle of a World Championship final ought to be hailed as the most refreshing thing to happen to badminton which otherwise operates in regimented barrack like environs. Rivals rarely exchange a smile here,forget mutual appreciation in this sport of cut-throat competition.
That Ratchanok Inthanon,the new world champion,is nothing like the interchangeable Chinese champions of the last few years is immediately evident. What badminton needs to appreciate more urgently is just how precociously talented the 18-year-old who became the youngest-ever world champion,is. This could be shuttles Steffi Graf moment where the whole world wows. Such is the Thais quiet magnetism.
She can win over neutrals in a manner that fresh-faced Graf or Becker did,or like undisputed talents like Messi or Le Bron James do. Because she betrays no signs of being a brat and seems so unaware of her own divine talent,Ratchanoks skill-set and her unaffected on-court personality are like innocence bottled.
China had never lost a womens singles championship at the Worlds since they emerged from their sporting isolation. And just as well that a pristine talent had to come through,almost mined out of a corner of a coalfield.
The triumph of beauty over brute,gracefulness over grit for the latters what womens singles games faintly resemble when the iron-women from China and their clones play also makes womens single compellingly watchable.
Much will be spoken of Inthanons wizarding wrists and acute angle dribbles and figure-skater like movements on court. Doesnt hurt that she has championship glory to show for her magical skills now,that too in front of badmintons most discerning and appreciative Chinese audience,who gave her a standing ovation.
Shivani is an assistant editor based in Mumbai
shivani.naik@expressindia.com
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