Hiten Dani’s Post

Step-by-Step Guide to Produce an Olympian Badminton Player: Scope and Challenges A. Context Subhankar Dey was a Bengal champion in 2008. He went on to become the Asian Team Bronze Medalist, India Seniors#1, German Grandprix Gold winner, and world number 32. So the parents who envision their children to become sportsmen could derive real insight, pointers, and tactical understandings of the journey. B. Does Your Child Have it? Search for a good coach for starters(they are different from professional coaches). Just by the way your kid holds the racket, the coach would tell if your kid has it in him/her or not. C. Opportunity and Plan B It is much easier today to get a government service(say in Railways/ONGC) from sports quota than from general recruitment. Even if your child wins a sub-junior state title, the child will end up getting a job. So, sports is safer than education if the job is your vision for the kid. D. Why Badminton? Badminton is called the physical chess. That is because it is a tactical game that utilizes all muscles of the body, and requires skills, strategy, tactics, stamina, and endurance, and it helps your child's overall growth. E. Badminton and Study Won't Go Together Most good badminton players are school dropouts. If your child starts doing well, training, tournament travel, physical fitness and sheer tiredness and the time needed for daily recovery won't leave much scope for studying. F. Finance it is all a "Parent Sponsored" program. 1. Coaching fees ₹3,000 to ₹10,000 at the beginner level. Once your child starts winning, this will come down to zero, as the child will be a marketing attraction for the academy. 2. Food costs an additional ₹3,000 every month. 3. Gears: Good racket, T-shirt, Garting, and Shoes would cost anything between ₹5k to ₹15k per month. 4. Travel: At the sub-junior level, you would likely take the child to rank tournaments and national. Per tournament would cost 2 persons ₹5k to ₹10k and there will be one every month. 5. At the junior level, you would have to send the child to international tournaments. Asian countries would cost ₹50k-₹1L, European circuit tournaments ₹2L-₹3L. 6. At the junior level the child has to stay in an academy. The lodging, food, gear, and training may cost ₹20k-₹40k per month. G. Capital Gain 1. Tournament prize money is not enough to support even one-way tickets in most tournaments. National now has ₹1-₹2L prize money. 2. Railways/ONGC etc sponsor good sub-junior players with ₹10k-₹15k monthly fees. The players represent that organization in the tournaments. 3. European leagues, such as the Danish league pay about $2k-$10k monthly salary. Most good junior players do get contracts. 4. Selection in the national academy then training, food, and lodging charges will be free. H. Conclusion if the child has talent and interest in sports, he/she will have a career better than most college-educated at a cost much less than most graduate courses.

My experiment with Badminton started partly as a result of my interest but mostly because of bad weather. I picked up Tennis when we couldn't play Cricket, and then picked up Badminton when the outdoor courts left my fingers rather numb during the colder months. Trying to pick a sport late in your life isn't always easy. Playing doubles with what seemed like a bunch of well trained players came with it's own set of challenges. While I could move and anticipate well, my court reading was let us put it mildly: naive. I got smashed quite often. Often the opponents would single me out and I'd receive a barrage a shuttles smashed my way as they'd figured I was the weak link. For someone who was used to competing and doing well in other sports, these badminton sessions were a weekly lesson in humility. I would often feel awkward thinking am I making a fool of myself here. I even felt apologetic to my fellow team mates for letting them down. It's not that I wasn't trying hard. The gap in experience and skill meant that despite my best effort I really wasn't there. Everyone around me was super nice, though. They kept encouraging me and so I kept going. Last night while driving home after the session I reflected on what had happened on the courts. The flow of shuttles had dramatically changed. My partner had had to field more than I did. When the fours were mixed, I was no longer paired with someone who was stronger. In six months, things had changed. I was no longer the weakest member of the team, nor was I being encouraged as much as I was when I was still learning. All I had to do was: 1. Show up even when things felt difficult 2. Be okay to fail, and learn from the mistakes 3. Be reasonable with my own expectations and be kind to myself when things weren't going the way I was used to in another context 4. Be willing to take feedback and receive encouragement with grace 5. Protect my energy and carry on. So what really is the point of this post? I haven't won any tournament or this isn't competitive business. It is just to remind myself that we can get better at anything we put our mind and energy to, and that there is no age to learn something new. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Last week for our quarterly Spirit Day, Vodafone's Legal team came together to learn more about Building Resilience in the age of change and challenge. Of the many things that we learnt that day, one important lesson was to never stop learning. The more you learn new things, and things that seem harder to - the younger our brain remains. (And who knows it may even make us look younger with each passing year :)) Thank you Maaike de Bie Hazel Butler Wayne Spillett and our fabulous Spirit team for helping us learn so many great things that day. Thank you Dr Helena Boschi your session on Brain hacks and Emma Wardropper for mindfulness techniques that inspired this post. #SpiritofVodafone #lifelonglearning #resilience

World Badminton Day: I must have written thousands of words about the significance of sports in the life of a modern day knowledge worker and how critical it is to have a healthy routine when you are not at your core. Sports generally makes all of us a better person and eventually helping us turn into a better professional. I started this sports as a pastime and over the course of last 7 years, the love has grown into obsession. What did it taught me, well, well, here you go again. - Life is all about cherishing your own strengths. - it’s not over till it’s over. - Make strategies which are not complicated and agile. - Never take your opponents easy, even if they are minnows of the game. - Respect your tools (your talent, your analytics) List can go on and I can keep writing. Pick a sports and you will stay young at heart forever. PS: As an entrepreneur, I found badminton court as my growth zone, antitode to what we go through in life. Time for you to find yours. :) Wasif - The Monday Man #sports #lifelessons

I’ve recently finished my term as chair of Loughborough badminton and thought I’d share a bit of what I’ve learnt during the year. First of all I am extremely appreciative of the work of the rest of committee this year. I think we helped to create an atmosphere which has helped so much with our success. Also thanks to the coaches and the Athletic Union for all of their work, without them our the club would not be in this position. Everything I want to mention all links in to each other but these are the main things that stood out to me: 1. Culture I think we, as a committee, encouraged a social, competitive and passionate culture. I found it amazing as to how easy it was to create this culture and it fascinates me how many professional sporting environments are unhappy and toxic. Obviously we are university level but we are “high performance”, especially with regards to British badminton. Culture stems from the smallest things that make people happy and unhappy, anyone’s mood can be influenced by the smallest thing, for us that could be whether there are enough new shuttles in a session. Everything that people take for granted really needs to be correct otherwise it upsets people and it’s amazing how many environments overlook these things. 2. Atmosphere As a committee we nailed the small things we had in our control and that contributed to the great atmosphere in the club. People were happy about the club and when people are happy it makes other people happy. I couldn’t tell you a direct link but this made people care about the club and their badminton more than you might expect. We have a club of 120 members and everyone wanted to play and compete where they could… because they enjoyed the badminton they were playing, training more and getting better, which in hand probably motivated others to do the same. A virtuous circle as such. 3. Support The two things I’ve mentioned above were pretty clearly shown at both Big BUCS Wednesday and especially BUCS Individuals. People trekked up to Sheffield to support our top players at Individuals and even though it is BUCS “Individuals” there was something special about how it meant a lot to people sat supporting as well as the guys on court. The video below hopefully show our level of support and sum up the club this year. I know it wasn’t directly me or the committee but seeing success made me insanely proud of the club. It might be university level sport but learning about creating a high performing environment at ALL LEVELS, whether that’s first team or fifth, is invaluable and incredibly interesting to be a part of.

A wonderful post from Ed that so many of us with supposedly much more wisdom and experience (and certainly many more grey hairs) can learn from. In this piece Ed highlights the importance of culture, inclusivity, enjoyment, and focusing (with a forensic eye) on the things within your control. Well done Ed. #leadership #team #culture #highperformance

Picking up badminton after a long hiatus was filled with excitement and trepidation. Doubts about my ability crept in and I was genuinely concerned about not being able to match my previous skills, as I hadn't set foot on a badminton court for several years. My fear nearly made me throw in the towel. However, my determination to include physical activity into my routine and maintain a healthy lifestyle outweighed the fear of inadequacy. This decision to play badminton again wasn't just about the sport itself; it was a move linked to my financial well-being. Studies have shown that engaging in regular physical activity has a profound impact on overall health, both physical and mental. A healthy lifestyle contributes to increased productivity, enhanced focus, and reduced stress – all of which are critical in achieving professional success. In my line of work, where the demands of the job can be high, maintaining peak physical and mental fitness is an investment in long-term career sustainability. By choosing to overcome my apprehensions and stepping back onto the badminton court, I was making an investment in both my health, and my financial future. The parallels between the discipline required in sports and the insurance world are evident – commitment, resilience, and continuous improvement are essential for success in both arenas. My decision to resume playing badminton is more than just a mere recreational activity. It is a deliberate choice to align personal well-being with financial success. Each step on the badminton court becomes a step towards a healthier, more resilient version of myself – physically and financially. #physicalwellbeing

- The Benefits of Sports for Young Kids: Why Badminton is a Great Choice - As a young professional badminton athlete, I’ve experienced firsthand the incredible impact that sports can have on a person’s life. Badminton, in particular, has been a transformative force for me, and I believe it offers unique benefits for young kids. Here are some of the key advantages of getting involved in sports, especially badminton, from an early age. 1. Physical Health and Fitness One of the most obvious benefits of playing badminton is the positive impact it has on physical health. Badminton is a fast-paced sport that requires agility, strength, and endurance. For young kids, playing badminton can: - Improve Cardiovascular Health - Enhance Coordination and Balance - Build Muscular Strength 2. Mental and Emotional Development Beyond the physical benefits, badminton also plays a crucial role in mental and emotional development. Engaging in sports like badminton can: - Boost Confidence and Self-Esteem - Develop Discipline and Perseverance - Reduce Stress 3. Social Skills and Teamwork Badminton offers opportunities for both individual and team play, fostering important social skills. Through badminton, kids can: - Learn Cooperation - Build Friendships - Develop Sportsmanship 4. Academic Benefits There is a well-documented link between physical activity and academic performance. Participation in sports like badminton can: - Improve Concentration and Focus - Enhance Time Management Skills 5. Lifelong Fitness and Healthy Habits Starting sports at a young age instills a love for physical activity that can last a lifetime. Playing badminton encourages: - Healthy Lifestyle Choices - Regular Physical Activity Badminton, with its unique combination of physical, mental, and social benefits, is an excellent sport for young kids. It provides a foundation for a healthy lifestyle, fosters important life skills, and offers endless opportunities for fun and personal growth. As a young athlete, I can attest to the positive impact that badminton has had on my life, and I encourage parents and kids to consider giving this wonderful sport a try. If you have any questions about getting started with badminton or want to share your own experiences, feel free to comment below or reach out to me directly. Let’s inspire the next generation to lead active, healthy, and fulfilling lives through sports! #badminton #sports #young #YouthSports #HealthyKids #ActiveLifestyle #PhysicalFitness #MentalWellbeing #ChildDevelopment #SportsForKids #BadmintonBenefits #HealthyHabits #YoungAthlete #FitnessJourney #Sportsmanship #Teamwork #ConfidenceBuilding #GenZ #AcademicSuccess #SportsInspiration #KidsHealth #AthleteLife

💥 "Ask and you shall get". It is just one question which you need to ask. Who is coming to join me to play badminton at 7.00 am. I need to practice for my tournament. I could hear all inward groans from all family members when my niece asked to wake up early to play badminton on a festival day. I pushed myself to say "YES". We got onto the court with no one around. These are 3 valuable learnings after playing with a teenager. Whether you're playing it for fun in your backyard or competing at a professional level, this racquet sport offers numerous physical and mental benefits. 1. The ability to stay persistent and resilient on the badminton court can translate into various aspects of life. It teaches us not to give up easily when faced with difficulties or setbacks. Instead, we learn to adapt our strategies, remain composed under pressure, and keep working towards our objectives. These qualities are valuable not only in sports but also in our careers and personal lives. 2. Badminton teaches us the importance of clear communication, trust, and understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses. These lessons can foster better teamwork and collaboration in various areas of life. 3. Badminton is a mentally demanding sport that requires intense concentration and focus. Players must make split-second decisions, react quickly to their opponent's moves, and maintain their composure, especially in high-pressure situations. Developing mental toughness and focus is a key aspect of improving as a badminton player. So, next time you step onto the badminton court, remember that you're not just playing a sport; you're also engaging in a valuable learning experience that can benefit you in many aspects of life.

🕖 It was a serene morning at 6:00 am, and I found myself waiting for a dear friend on my way to Mehsana. Little did I know that this brief encounter with two children playing badminton would leave a lasting impression on me. 🏸 As I approached, I noticed the kids engrossed in their game. However, something caught my eye when I focused closely on their makeshift badminton rackets. They had ingeniously fashioned their equipment using a thermocol sheet and a wooden plank! 🧐 For a moment, I was taken aback by their resourcefulness. Instead of the traditional badminton rackets, they had improvised with the available materials. It got me thinking about how we often limit ourselves, thinking we need the perfect resources to achieve our goals. 💡 But this simple scene held a profound message. It reminded me that with the right intention and determination, resources become insignificant barriers. These children showcased remarkable creativity and adaptability, making the most of what they had at hand. 🌟 Similarly, in life and business, we might encounter obstacles and limitations, but we must remember that solutions lie within us. When we have a clear vision and a burning desire to succeed, we can find innovative ways to overcome challenges. 🤔 So, the next time you face a seemingly insurmountable hurdle in your endeavors, think back to those spirited young badminton players. Embrace their spirit of resourcefulness and remember that there's always a way to make things work. 🚀 Let's discuss! Have you ever experienced a situation where your determination and intention helped you overcome a lack of resources in life or business? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below. Let's inspire and learn from each other! 🗣️💬 #ilfe #happiness #business #resource #execution #intention #motivation #Resourcefulness #Determination #LifeLessons #BusinessInsights #Innovation #Creativity #ProblemSolving #Inspiration

🏸 Balancing Passion and Goals: My Journey from the Badminton Court to Achievements 🏸 Thinking back to my school days, I remember a time when I really loved playing badminton. When I was in 7th grade, I started to understand how important studying is, so I focused more on my schoolwork. But I didn't stop playing badminton because I loved it so much. I woke up early every morning from 5 to 8 to practice, went to school from 10 to 5, and even had coaching sessions. I collected about 4 certificates every year for my achievements. These certificates weren't just pieces of paper – they were like a mix of hard work and happiness, and they created special memories. And you know what? Playing badminton didn't make my school work suffer. It actually helped me do better in school too. Looking back, I learned that success isn't just about money. It's also about getting respect, learning new things, making friends, and growing as a person. Life is like a big collection of experiences, not just about making money. So, let's always make time for the things we love. They aren't distractions, they're things that make us happy and motivated. While we go through life, let's remember that success is about more than just money – it's about what we learn, who we know, and the things we achieve. #PassionAndGoals #BalancingLife #JourneyToAchievements #openforwork #businessanalytics #dataanalysis #letsconnections