For a sport as intense and fast paced as badminton, the difference between winning and losing at the highest level depends less on the physical prowess and more on the ability to maintain composure in pressure situations. What separates the good from truly great badminton players is the mental state that helps elite athletes find another gear and step up their game when required, an aspect that is often overlooked in badminton news.
In an exclusive interview with SPOGO, India’s 4th ranked badminton star Vaidehi Choudhari speaks about being introduced to the sport, memorable achievements, idols she looks up to, the importance of mental health, overcoming challenges and future goals.
Q 1) When were you first introduced to badminton and what made you take up the sport professionally?
I have always enjoyed playing sports. When I was young, I used to play with my friends in my colony. We used to play badminton, cricket and football. Most evenings, I used to spend my time outside the house which would annoy my parents. When I was 11 years old, my father took me to the Badminton Club and that's how I started playing the sport. I won my first state tournament at the age of 12 and I decided to pursue it as a career. At the age of 15, I decided to give it a more professional approach. I moved to Nagpur to play under Mr. Jibi Varghese Sir at Jibi School of Sports.
Q 2) You’ve won a number of national and international tournaments in your career so far, what is your favourite accomplishment?
My favourite accomplishment is when I won the National Championship Title in U-17 girls Singles at Jaipur in 2015 and when I represented India officially in the Asian Badminton Championship for the first time. I was playing very consistently throughout the year and made it very memorable.
Q 3) Who are some of the badminton players that you looked up to growing up?
First of all, I look up to my coach Mr Jibi Varghese. I really admire how passionate and devoted he is for badminton and to his students. Secondly, I look upto Carolina Marin from Spain. She is an Olympic champion, very aggressive on court and I like her style of playing.
Q 4) How important of a role does mental health play in tennis, especially at the highest level?
Mental health is very important in any kind of activity, especially in sports. Only if you are mentally fit can you achieve great heights. To keep myself mentally healthy, I believe in doing things by myself, boosting confidence and taking responsibility for everything I do. This helps in making my thoughts clear, more focused and free from unwanted and unnecessary attractions. While playing, I am focused on playing a stroke right, freely and more confidently when I am charged up mentally. I then enjoy my game to the fullest!
Q 5) What are some of the challenges that you faced in your career? How did you overcome them?
After the National Championship, I went home for my 12th board exams. I did not practice for a month and a half. I was only training and was trying to stay in good shape but when I came back to the academy, I had gained weight and grown 2-3 inches tall. It was very difficult for me to play like the old Vaidehi. It was very frustrating as I was not able to perform for the next year. After becoming a National Champion, losing in the first or second round was very disappointing for me but I just kept going. I trained hard to get back in shape and I kept faith in myself, in my coach and in the practice I was doing. Overcoming this made my game grow.
Q 6) What are your goals and ambitions for the future? How do you plan to accomplish them?
I always wanted to win medals for the country. My goal is to win an Olympic Gold Medal, for which my coach and I have been working since 2017. To achieve this, I am working on my physical fitness and on court fitness. My coach keeps me alert and motivated so that I am always on my toes – focused and determined. Currently I am India’s No. 4 in women's singles, I want to be India’s no. 1 in the domestic circuit.
