Chetan Anand puts his hat in the ring

B. Chetan Anand, a former World No. 10 and one of the finest shuttlers ever from India, is willing to take up the job of chief national coach (juniors or seniors) if given the opportunity.

The 41-year-old Chetan, a four-time national champion, said by virtue of being with the ABC teams last year, he was quite familiar with some of the core players, especially the young talent.

“I feel I was able to make some minor corrections in the techniques of some of the players which proved to be very helpful to them. Also I am glad that quite a few of them continue to be in touch seeking suggestions,” Chetan said in a chat with The Hindu.

“Having started my own full-fledged, international standard Chetan Anand Badminton Academy in Miyapur (Hyderabad) three years ago and coaching the young talent, I am quite familiar with the nuances of the job,” said Chetan, who is incidentally also on the BAI coaches panel.

The three-time SAF Games champion felt badminton had reached a new high in the last decade but it was also imperative to carry forward the momentum and unearth fresh talent.

Commenting on the on-going BAI selection trials in Delhi for the Commonwealth, Asian Games and the Thomas and Uber Cups, he felt that though most of the guidelines were pretty transparent, it would have been better if they had stuck to the guiding principle of giving direct entry only to those who are ranked in the top 15. “They should not have made any exceptions,” he said.

“It is surprising that quite a few players who were really consistent in the recent past missed these selections,” the former Commonwealth Games medallist said.

Interestingly, Chetan had one of his long-standing dreams fulfilled two days ago when he got a picture taken with his idol and badminton legend Prakash Padukone.

“Though I met him quite a few times, I never had a pic with him for posterity. For us, he is the God of Indian badminton, who achieved what many of us could only dream off,” Chetan said.