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The Rediff Interview / Syed Mohammad Arif

'Prakash's exit will cause a vacuum'

Syed Mohammad Arif is better known as the driving force behind India's top men's badminton player Pullela Gopichand. In 1984 the 57-year-old Hyderabadi was appointed India's badminton coach by erstwhile Badminton Association of India president Fazil Ahmed, and since then he's been grooming players for international duty. And with distinction.

Arif's tryst with badminton was by accident. Actually he started out as a cricketer, opening the innings for his college cricket team, but lost interest in cricket after his coach would make him stand till evening to have a go at the bowlers. He gave up cricket and took to badminton. Today, what may have been cricket's loss, is Indian badminton's gain.

The bespectaclled, greying coach was in Pune recently for the Sushant Chipalkatti memorial badminton championships, to select the Indian junior team for the forthcoming Asian Badminton Confederation tournament in Koyoto, Japan. V Raghavan talked to him about the game in the country.

Excerpts from the conversation:

Will Prakash Padukone’s decision to resign have an adverse effect on the badminton fraternity in India?

As for his quitting as the executive president of the Badminton Association of India is concerned, it will be a matter of concern. He was instrumental in getting several sponsors, owing to his clean image. The other thing is the goodwill he has so painstakingly managed to achieve. The Badminton Federation of India ought to find somebody who can really put this back on track.

Will it affect the players' performance?

Prakash always came up with positive ideas and advice whenever we sat down to decide on our annual plans. Therefore, in terms of expertise, Prakash's exit will cause a vacuum. However, such has been Prakash’s involvement that, I am sure, despite being out of office he will surely help if consulted.

In your opinion, how can the government help to encourage players' performance?

Providing adequate shuttles at subsidised rates is of utmost importance. In addition, we should have some major sponsor for the sport to lean back on. If you notice, all over the globe, sports is very dependent on sponsorship. Neither the government nor the BAI can be singled out. Instead, all one can do is find some sponsor who can pick our game. It will be beneficial to all.

What more should one expect from sponsors apart from the monetary part?

We need a sponsor who is ready to pour money that can be utilised to open up training centres across the length and breadth of the country. Something like the BPL Academy at Bangalore and its feeder centers. Once this is set-up, player’s participation will boost and in the process increase competition too.

Your views on Gopichand's success? Did your ever think it would be like it is today?

I know Gopi from the day he started handling a racket. Grit - - that's one word, which describes him. I still have a newspaper cutting, dating some 10-12 years back, where I had said that this boy would achieve something. The result is there for everyone to see. Gopi is an exception. What he has, none have. It is his discipline, his total involvement. He sees his goal and works towards it.

Aparna Popat was banned for using a banned substance. What does the episode teach us?

Aparna Popat is a victim of circumstance. More of ignorance, I would say. Players should henceforth consult the International Badminton Federation doctor present at the tournament venue, and take only medicines prescribed by him, so that he is entirely responsible.

Interviews