India has produced some fantastic para-badminton players over the years, the likes of Parmod Bhagat, Manoj Sarkar, Parul Parmar amongst others have made the nation proud with their achievements and have paved the way for future generations to pursue their dreams despite the odds. One such up-and-coming youngster is 17 year old Nehal Gupta, the reigning junior National champion in the para-badminton category. Gupta’s prodigious talent is already making waves in the sports circuit and is definitely one to look out for in the coming years!
In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Nehal Gupta speaks about being introduced to para-badminton, the influence of his coach Gaurav Khanna and how important of a role he has played in Gupta’s career, overcoming challenges, getting support from the government and his future goals.
Q 1) When were you first introduced to para badminton and what motivated you to pursue the sport professionally?
I started playing badminton in 2017. Before that I couldn't play any sport because no one would want me to play. When I used to play football they would put in the goal and in cricket I used to be the wicketkeeper. That went on for a while but one day a few of my acquaintances were going to a badminton academy so I accompanied them to go and see how things work. There I saw a poster that said 'Hunt for Para Athletes', along with photos of a few people without arms or legs playing the game, that is when I thought that I should try something like this. The very next day I called on the contact mentioned on the poster to tell them about my situation and the games I can play. They called me to their academy on the same day and that is when I first met Gaurav Sir and saw people with disabilities playing different sports to the best of their abilities and enjoying it fully. I spoke to Gaurav sir and asked him if I could play and he welcomed me and I started playing there under his guidance. When I learned that many top players also come to this very academy for practice, I got the extra motivation to start putting my heart and soul into badminton.
Q 2) Who have been some of the most influential people in your career so far and why?
Gaurav sir is one of the most influential people in my life. He has had a massive impact on me and my career so far and is the reason why I'm at this stage in my career. Without him I possibly wouldn't have made it this far. My family also motivates me a lot as well.
Q 3) Who are some of the badminton/ para badminton players that you look up to and why?
I look upto Gaurav sir because he is my inspiration. Looking at his hard work makes me feel that even I can do it. Without him I would have not reached this level, he has sacrificed a lot to train us and always tells us to become a better human being before becoming a player.
Q 4) What are some of the challenges that you have faced in your career? How did you overcome them?
Many people and even a few of my friends told me to focus on academics and said there is nothing in sports for you. Then I met Gaurav sir while joining the academy, that is when I felt that I could achieve something in the sport and eventually did it. Now I am going to play in the Youth Asian Games and playing badminton makes me feel good about myself.
Q 5) Do para badminton players in India receive adequate support from the government or federations?
Para Badminton is growing day by day not only in India but also in the world as the government is supporting the sport to some extent. In my life the biggest support has come from my coach Gaurav sir as I haven’t received as much support from the government and federations compared to him.
Q 6) What are your goals for the future? How do you plan to accomplish them?
Just like every other athlete dreams of winning a medal for their country, I share the same dream of achieving a medal in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. As of now my main focus is to win the Youth Asian Games and I’m working extremely hard to perform to my full capabilities in that tournament.
If you wish to support Nehal in any of the areas to see him excel, then please reach out to Simply Sport https://www.simplysport.in/donate.
You can write mail to them at [email protected].
