The rise of homegrown Indian Badminton Coaches is evident, yet their increasing migration to better-paying opportunities abroad is a pressing concern. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Badminton Association of India (BAI), in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), is crafting a strategic roadmap to retain elite Indian coaches by enhancing their salaries and incentives.
The Rise of Homegrown Coaches & Their Sudden Departure
Several renowned former players have transitioned into coaching, mentoring India’s top badminton talents.
Parupalli Kashyap & RMV Gurusaidutt – Training HS Prannoy, Kidambi Srikanth, and Priyanshu Rajawat under the chief national coach Pullela Gopichand.
Manu Attri & B Sumeeth Reddy – Focused on coaching young doubles players alongside foreign coach Tan Kim Her.
While this is promising, a concerning trend is unfolding—many top Indian coaches are leaving due to financial constraints and lack of opportunities.
“If we do not enhance financial incentives for Indian coaches, retaining them will become an increasingly difficult challenge.”
— Arun Vishnu, Former Coach & Player
The Pay Gap: Why Are Indian Badminton Coaches Leaving?
A major issue leading to this exodus is the huge pay disparity between Indian and foreign coaches.
Current Pay Scale
Foreign coaches earn $8,000 – $10,000 per month.
Indian PSU-employed coaches earn ₹50,000 per month.
Notable Coaches Who Left
Mohammed Siyadatullah Siddiqui – Former coach of Saina Nehwal & Kidambi Srikanth, joined Oregon Badminton Academy, U.S.
B Sai Praneeth – World Championships bronze medalist, coaching at a U.S. badminton club after retiring in 2024.
Arun Vishnu – Developed Gayatri Gopichand & Treesa Jolly but stepped away due to financial concerns.
Indian coaches are struggling to find financial security and are opting for lucrative coaching jobs abroad.
BAI’s Proposed Solutions: Retaining India’s Best Coaches
In response, BAI is implementing strategies to retain homegrown talent.
Key Action Points
Salary Revisions – Increasing the remuneration of coaches in national camps.
National Camp Integration – Assigning eight Indian coaches under foreign experts with a substantial pay hike.
Grassroots Coaching Development – Standardizing coaching methods across India through structured training programs.
“BAI aims to introduce a structured salary revision for national camp coaches while incorporating seasoned former players to strengthen the coaching framework.”
— Sanjay Mishra, BAI Secretary
The Bigger Question: Why Aren’t Former Indian Players Part of the National Setup?
Despite having a pool of experienced players, most prefer to open private academies instead of joining the national coaching framework.
Indian Players Who Moved to Other Roles
Anup Sridhar – Former coach of Lakshya Sen & PV Sindhu, now joining Singapore Badminton Association.
Chetan Anand, Arvind Bhat, Jwala Gutta – Opted to run private academies instead of coaching for India.
“A coach’s job is more than just teaching technique—it involves planning, injury management, and career guidance. Who better than former players who have lived it?”
— Parupalli Kashyap
The Future of Indian Badminton Coaching
India has long relied on foreign expertise to shape its badminton stars. The recent appointments of Malaysia’s Tan Kim Her (Doubles coach for Satwiksairaj Rankireddy & Chirag Shetty) and Indonesia’s Irwansyah Adi Pratama (Women’s Singles coach, focusing on PV Sindhu) highlight this reliance.
While foreign coaching helps, India must create its own self-sufficient coaching ecosystem.
Steps for a Stronger Indian Coaching System
Competitive Salaries for homegrown coaches.
Structured Designations for retired players in coaching roles.
Coaching Development Programs for long-term success.
“How long will we keep hiring foreign coaches? If our retired players were given proper designation, compensation, and opportunities, Indian badminton would transform.”
— Former National Player