A special partnership has been signed between Indian badminton legend Prakash Padukone and Goa Badminton Association (GBA), the aim of which is to create a great ecosystem of this game for players from grassroots to top level. Badminton has always received strong support in Goa. Be it the busy indoor stadiums of Peddem and Kakoda or the courts in villages and schools, badminton has long been a part of the sporting culture of the state.

PSB-GBA partnership, now there will be no shortage of talent

In the last several decades, many players and sports lovers of Goa have made their mark at the national level. However, maintaining the continuity of emerging talent has been a challenge for Goa. The new partnership between Padukone Badminton School (PSB) and Goa Badminton Association (GBA) can help in dealing with that situation. This initiative is not just a partnership between an academy and a state body, but an effort to create an organized badminton ecosystem across Goa, from grassroots participation to producing high-level players.

Agreement can change the face of badminton in Goa

Under the two-year agreement, a comprehensive plan has been made, which includes organizing age group competitions, improving coaching standards, creating a professional environment for badminton in the state and preparing a long-term roadmap. Many believe that this could be the beginning of a transformative era for badminton in Goa.

Not just an academy, but an ecosystem

At the heart of this initiative is a simple yet powerful idea: every child in Goa should have the opportunity to play badminton, while the most talented youngsters are mentored to reach national and international levels. This school of All England Champion Prakash Padukone is recognized in the country for its grassroots level programmes. With over 75 centers in schools, clubs and residential communities, PSB focuses exclusively on increasing participation and maintaining coaching standards.

For Goa, the aim is to adapt this model to the state's own sporting environment. Instead of focusing on just one high-performance academy, the idea is to introduce badminton in schools and panchayats, increase participation and gradually identify and nurture talent.

What did GBA President Manoj Patil say?

GBA President Manoj Patil said, "There is already a deep love for badminton in Goa. Through this partnership, we want to build a bridge from the grassroots level to the top level. Goa has excellent infrastructure and talented badminton players. Through this agreement with PSB, we are striving to create a complete ecosystem where young players can dream big and get professional training without having to leave the state."

Why only Goa?

For many sports analysts, Goa's sporting background and facilities make it a natural fit for this. Large indoor venues exist throughout the state at places like Peddem, Kakoda, Ponda and Navelim in South Goa. Many big states are still struggling to create such facilities. In the first phase of the programme, special emphasis has been laid on expansion at the grassroots level.

The idea behind this is simple: before a champion can be produced, the number of children playing badminton must increase significantly. Under this initiative, badminton will be introduced in schools, panchayats and local communities through different programmes. Portable badminton kits (net, poles, rackets and shuttlecocks) will be made available, so that children can start playing even if there is no permanent court. Training, talent identification, competitive opportunities and support for players are equally important parts of a coordinated system. GBA and PSB aim to overcome this shortcoming.

Best infrastructure near Goa- Thongal

GBA secretary Praveen Thongal said that among the smaller states in the country, Goa probably has the best infrastructure for badminton. A good system is one in which grassroots participation, training camps, district level coaching and high-performance programs are all linked together. This partnership provides an opportunity to set up that structure. Thongal said priority would be given to generating interest in badminton and developing basic physical skills. Players who show continuous interest in the game will be given better training later.