Saina Nehwal, India’s badminton star and Olympic medalist, has ignited a debate about the level of athleticism required in different sports. In a recent podcast interview, Nehwal highlighted the disparity in attention received by cricket compared to other sports like badminton and tennis.
Saina Nehwal suggested that these “other sports” are physically more demanding than cricket, where she believes skill plays a bigger role. “You don’t even have the time to pick up the shuttle and serve,” she explained, referencing the fast-paced nature of badminton. “And the game like cricket gets that kind of attention where I think personally skill is more important.”
This sparked a reaction from Kolkata Knight Riders player Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who questioned Nehwal’s assessment with a now-deleted tweet. Raghuvanshi, a rising star in cricket, sarcastically wondered how she would handle a 150 kph bouncer from Jasprit Bumrah, a legendary Indian fast bowler. He quickly apologized for the “immature joke,” acknowledging his mistake.
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“I’m sorry everyone, I meant my remarks as a joke, looking back I think it was a really immature joke. I realize my mistake and I sincerely apologize,” Raghuvanshi posted.
I’m sorry everyone, I meant my remarks as a joke, looking back I think it was a really immature joke. I realize my mistake and I sincerely apologize.
— Angkrish Raghuvanshi (@angkrish10) July 12, 2024
Nehwal’s comments have reignited the age-old debate about comparing the physical demands of different sports. While cricket requires immense stamina and fielding agility, badminton and tennis involve explosive power, rapid reaction times, and exceptional court coverage. Evaluating which sport is “tougher” is subjective, and both require dedication and peak physical conditioning.
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However, Nehwal’s main point lies in the lack of recognition given to sports outside of cricket. While cricket enjoys immense popularity and media coverage in India, athletes in other disciplines often struggle for recognition and funding. Nehwal’s remarks can be seen as a call for a more balanced sporting culture in India, where all athletes striving for excellence receive their due credit.
