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India’s Thomas Cup bronze medallists returned home to silence, not celebration, prompting Satwik and Chirag to question why major achievements still go largely unnoticed.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy – Chirag Shetty. (X)
Two days after India’s men’s badminton team clinched a bronze at the Thomas Cup, it wasn’t their celebration that grabbed attention. It was their frustration.
An Instagram story by doubles star Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, showing the team with little fanfare around them, quickly went viral.
It summed up a sentiment that has quietly lingered in Indian sport: achievement doesn’t always guarantee recognition.
India’s latest bronze adds to a proud Thomas Cup history — previous podium finishes came in 1952, 1955, 1979, along with the landmark title win in 2022.
But this time, the return home felt underwhelming.
“I never share anything usually. I let go of things. But this time, I exploded. Someone has to speak up,” Rankireddy told The Indian Express. “We don’t want big things. Not prize money. Even if a kid comes and says, ‘Bhaiyya you played well,’ we are happy.”
The disconnect hit hardest when the players landed in India.
“We were wearing Thomas Cup jerseys… nobody even asked who we are or what we won. Everyone was busy with IPL, politics, whatever,” he said. “Top athletes trying to book cabs, that felt really sad.”
His teammate Chirag Shetty echoed the sentiment, pointing to a broader issue.
“Still nobody cares,” he said. “Those who follow badminton appreciate it, but the general public doesn’t realise the magnitude of what we achieved. It makes me sad that we are not yet a sporting nation.”
There’s also a deeper emotional toll. Representing India in team events comes with pressure, but not always with validation. It’s an ungrateful venture, and one Chirag wouldn’t wish upon his own kin.
“We play without support and under immense pressure. Even a title wasn’t enough last time. Again this time,” Shetty added.
“I told Prannoy I’ll not let my kid play badminton. If you are strong mentally, you’ll manage, but otherwise it’s really tough to keep going on like this (with a large part of the country oblivious to our performance).”
For a country that erupts in celebration during global wins, the silence in moments like these is telling — and shameful.
And it is understandably frustrating that appreciation (not glorification) is directly correlated to exclusive silverware — preferably gold.
If one isn’t on top of the world, all one receives is silence from the onlookers.
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