‘Shuttle by Dalmia Bharat’ Inaugurated as a State-of-the-Art Badminton High Performance Centre
A groundbreaking moment in Indian badminton history took place on Thursday at the Kalinga Stadium Complex in Jayadev Vihar, Bhubaneswar. The inauguration of ‘Shuttle by Dalmia Bharat’ marked the opening of a state-of-the-art Badminton High Performance Centre (HPC), a collaboration between the Dalmia Bharat Group, Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, and the Government of Odisha. This partnership, initiated in 2018, has finally come to fruition after five years of planning and construction.
A New Chapter for Indian Badminton
The ‘Shuttle by Dalmia Bharat’ is a seven-storey architectural marvel that now stands as a beacon for aspiring badminton players across the country. The meticulously designed facility houses eight top-of-the-line badminton courts, surrounded by a seating arena capable of accommodating up to 400 spectators. Additionally, the centre offers lodging facilities for 50 students, providing a conducive environment for training and development.
During the inauguration ceremony, Pullela Gopichand, the renowned chief India coach, expressed his excitement about the impact the HPC will have on nurturing future badminton champions. He emphasized that the centre symbolizes hope and opportunity for thousands of young athletes striving to excel in the sport.
Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director of Dalmia Bharat, shared a bold vision for the future, predicting that a player from the academy would clinch a gold medal at the 2036 Olympics. This ambitious goal reflects the commitment of the stakeholders to elevate Indian badminton to new heights on the global stage.
Promoting Excellence and Sustainability
The ‘Shuttle by Dalmia Bharat’ is not just a testament to sporting excellence but also a showcase of sustainable construction practices. The building incorporates low-carbon cement and features rainwater harvesting systems to recharge groundwater, demonstrating a commitment to environmental conservation.
From the seventh floor of the HPC, visitors can enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of the city and the Kalinga Stadium Complex. The topmost floor, adorned with lights that illuminate the building in the shape of a shuttlecock after sunset, adds a touch of aesthetic appeal to the structure.
A Call for Support and Recognition
Himanta Biswa Sarma, President of the Badminton Association of India and Chief Minister of Assam, highlighted the need for increased support and recognition for badminton players in the country. He emphasized that despite the achievements of Indian shuttlers, they often lack the sponsors and backing they deserve. Sarma called upon the government and the public to rally behind badminton, similar to the support extended to other sports like football and hockey.
Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha, echoed Sarma’s sentiments and emphasized the importance of promoting badminton alongside other popular sports. The presence of key dignitaries at the inauguration underscored the significance of the ‘Shuttle by Dalmia Bharat’ as a landmark development in the Indian sporting landscape.
As the badminton community celebrates the opening of this cutting-edge facility, the stage is set for a new era of excellence and achievement in Indian badminton. The ‘Shuttle by Dalmia Bharat’ stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication in fostering sporting talent and promoting sustainability in the realm of sports infrastructure.
Revolutionizing Training for Badminton Players
The ‘Shuttle by Dalmia Bharat’ represents a significant shift in how badminton training facilities are designed and operated in India. With its cutting-edge infrastructure and focus on providing holistic support to athletes, the centre aims to revolutionize the way players are trained. By offering world-class coaching, sports science support, physiotherapy services, and mental conditioning programs, the HPC is poised to create a nurturing environment for players to reach their full potential.
Moreover, the centre’s proximity to the Kalinga Stadium Complex provides athletes with additional opportunities for cross-training and exposure to different sporting disciplines. This integration of facilities can help in fostering a multidisciplinary approach to training, enhancing overall athletic development and performance.
Empowering Women in Badminton
One of the key objectives of the ‘Shuttle by Dalmia Bharat’ is to empower women in badminton and provide them with equal opportunities for training and competition. The centre is committed to promoting gender equality in the sport by offering specialized programs and support systems for female athletes. This focus on inclusivity and diversity sets a positive example for the entire sporting community and underscores the importance of leveling the playing field for all athletes.
By creating a supportive and inclusive environment for women in badminton, the HPC aims to nurture a new generation of female champions who can compete at the highest levels of the sport. This emphasis on gender equality aligns with global efforts to promote women’s participation in sports and highlights the transformative power of athletics in breaking down societal barriers.
Driving Innovation and Technology in Badminton
As a state-of-the-art facility, the ‘Shuttle by Dalmia Bharat’ is at the forefront of driving innovation and technology in the realm of badminton training. The centre leverages advanced analytics, video feedback systems, and performance tracking tools to provide athletes with real-time data and insights into their game. By embracing technology, the HPC enables players to fine-tune their skills, identify areas for improvement, and enhance their overall performance on the court.
Furthermore, the centre serves as a hub for research and development in sports science, biomechanics, and sports medicine. By collaborating with experts in these fields, the HPC aims to push the boundaries of knowledge in badminton training and contribute to the evolution of coaching methodologies and player development strategies.
Fostering a Culture of Sportsmanship and Excellence
Beyond its role as a training facility, the ‘Shuttle by Dalmia Bharat’ seeks to foster a culture of sportsmanship, teamwork, and excellence among its athletes. By instilling values such as discipline, dedication, and respect for the game, the HPC aims to produce not just skilled players but also well-rounded individuals who can serve as ambassadors for the sport.
Through mentorship programs, leadership training, and community outreach initiatives, the centre encourages athletes to give back to the sport and inspire the next generation of players. By nurturing a culture of mentorship and sportsmanship, the ‘Shuttle by Dalmia Bharat’ aims to create a legacy of excellence that extends beyond the boundaries of the playing court.
In conclusion, the ‘Shuttle by Dalmia Bharat’ represents a pivotal moment in Indian badminton history, signaling a new era of growth, innovation, and excellence in the sport. With its state-of-the-art facilities, commitment to gender equality, embrace of technology, and focus on holistic athlete development, the HPC is poised to make a lasting impact on the Indian badminton landscape and inspire generations of players to achieve their full potential.
