Goa badminton chief Manoj Patil praises India’s athletes and highlights the discipline and cultural values he experienced in Japan
PRAVASISAMWAD.COM
It has been a memorable experience for Manoj Patil, President of the Badminton Association of Goa, who is in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, as part of the Badminton Association of India delegation for the Asian Games, said Goa badminton chief Manoj Patil.
Being alongside athletes from across India and witnessing world-class badminton, as well as other sporting disciplines, has given Patil a close view of the determination and competitive spirit of the Indian contingent, he said.
“It has been a great experience being in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, as part of the Badminton Association of India’s delegation for the Asian Games,” Patil said. He described the opportunity to follow the performances of Indian athletes across different sports as “truly special”.
In badminton, the Indian men’s team secured a bronze medal after a 1-3 contest against China, while the individual events also produced several memorable performances. Unnati Hooda and the Tanisha Crasto-Dhruv Kapila combination were among those to make an impression.
Patil also pointed to the narrow margins that often determine results at the highest level. The battles involving Ayush Shetty, as well as the thrilling three-set contest featuring Satwik and Chirag, demonstrated the intensity of competition and the fine margins between victory and defeat.
For Patil, however, the Asian Games experience has extended beyond sport.
His time in Japan has also provided an opportunity to observe the country’s culture and way of life. He said the politeness, courtesy and discipline displayed by Japanese people had left a strong impression on him.
“Observing their culture, everyday habits and the way people conduct themselves gives one a different perspective on the values that have contributed to Japan becoming such a prosperous and technologically advanced nation,” he said.
Patil believes there are lessons to be learnt from Japan not only on the sporting field but also from everyday life.
He said he felt privileged to experience the Asian Games from close quarters and wished the entire Indian contingent success for the remainder of the competition.
“Let’s keep cheering for Team India,” he said.
