Badminton News: If there’s one country that can take badminton to the next level, it’s India who have established themselves as one of the powerhouses in Asia.

Former Denmark international Mathias Boe believes India has the potential to be at the forefront of getting things done for the sport, given its size of population and large fan base.

Earlier this year, Mathias Boe was re-hired by the Badminton Association of India (BAI) to head the doubles department, and it proved to be a masterstroke as the Danish coach inspired the men’s national team to clinch the historic first Thomas Cup crown in Bangkok (in May).

According to the 42-year-old London 2012 Olympics men’s doubles silver medalist, part of the responsibility for lifting badminton lies with India.

“If there’s one country that can really shake things up, it’s India. Look what they’ve done with cricket and the IPL (Indian Premier League),” Boe started.

It is one of the largest franchise leagues in the world, after the NFL (National Football League) in the United States.

“With 1.4 billion people, India has the best chance of taking badminton to the next level faster.”

“I don’t see the culture changing much in countries like China because the system is like that, national associations have too much power in decision making, same with countries like Malaysia and Indonesia. Personally, India is the most exciting place right now, when it comes to badminton,” said Boe, who is also dating one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, Taapsee Pannu.

The Dane pointed out that badminton still has a long way to go before it can be compared to high-paying sports like tennis and football.

Mathias Boe said part of the problem blocking progress was that national associations had too much power.

“Compared to 10 years ago, when I was still playing, there is definitely progress, but it’s moving too slowly,” he said.

“The Australian Open (tennis) offers a total prize pool of 75 million Australian dollars (229 million RM), while here in badminton we are satisfied with one million US dollars (4.4 million RM).”

“In the United States, for example, nobody knows badminton stars like PV Sindhu, Lee Zii Jia or even Lee Chong Wei, but name a random footballer from the English Premier League, and they will most likely find out. Don’t talk about big names. like Cristiano Ronaldo,” Boe said.

“For badminton to be considered a professional sport like tennis or football, a lot of things have to change.”

Associations in different countries have too much power, they can ban players and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) allows it.

“I also think marketing could promote current and former legends better. Take a look at tennis and how they have kept their big stars and former legends together. You see former stars sitting in the stands to add shine at some major tournaments, as well as stars from other sports like David Beckham, for example.

“I’ve never been invited to a BWF tournament. In fact, I’ve never seen BWF do that with Lin Dan, Taufik Hidayat, Peter Gade or Chong Wei. Some of the older fans still want to see those players The BWF doesn’t bring them, it’s very difficult to be professional,” Boe added.

“Given how demanding badminton is, too many players are not paid enough,” added the former player who is the mortal enemy of the Minions.

Mathias Boe noted that supporters have also played an important role in lobbying world governing bodies and national associations by highlighting the issue.

“With social media, things change. I have always believed that power is in the hands of people, regardless of their culture and society. When there are enough protests and demands, things change, and we have seen it.”

“A good example here is when Zii Jia was almost banned for two years by BA Malaysia for wanting to be professional. Fans made their feelings heard and the decision was overturned,” Mathias Boe concluded.

Tags Articles: India, Mathias Boe, Denmark, Badminton, BWF

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