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B.Sumeeth Reddy: A Career in Badminton Defined by Resilience and a True Love of the Sport

Sumeeth Reddy, whose very name has come to represent the best of Indian badminton doubles, announced his retirement as a professional recently, ending what was an admirable career replete with notable victory and some painful personal setbacks. The 33-year-old Hyderabadi badminton player, a Commonwealth Games medalist and Olympian, has chosen to switch to coaching completely, an area where he has already started making his presence felt. His choice of retirement, while maybe tinged with sadness for his supporters, is a reflection of his reflective attitude towards his career and his unshakeable dedication to the sport he adores. This piece explores the successes of Sumeeth Reddy’s career, the challenges that he faced, and his expectations in the coming days as a coach and guide.

A Doubles Specialist with a Rich Background

Sumeeth Reddy created a niche as a strong doubles specialist in badminton sports. His strengths in men’s and mixed doubles events earned him several awards and acclaim on an international level. They collaborated mostly with Manu Attri in men’s doubles and earned a career-high world ranking of 17, a great achievement in the competitive badminton world. The two players played well together and had a great understanding on the court, and they represented India at high-level tournaments. Their greatest highlight of their collaboration was when they qualified for the Rio 2016 Olympics, something that is a dream for every athlete. This involvement on the largest sporting platform was a statement of their diligence, commitment, and steady output over the years. In addition, Sumeeth and Manu won the gold medal for the 2016 South Asian Games, a great triumph that was a source of national pride. Their supremacy in the region was also cemented through their involvement in the 2016 Asia Team Championships, during which they helped the men’s team win a bronze medal.

Apart from these high-profile victories, Sumeeth Reddy proved his prowess by winning international titles. He won the gold medal at the 2015 Mexico City Grand Prix and the 2016 Canada Open, proving that he could compete and win against best-level players. His consistent play also led him to the finals of the US Open and Dutch Open in 2015, where he was runner-up. These wins and near victories demonstrate his determination and talent in the highly competitive world of professional badminton. Sumeeth’s adaptability was also evident in mixed doubles, where he teamed up with different shuttlers, including his wife, N. Sikki Reddy. They earned a world ranking of 25 during his active years, displaying their combined skills and chemistry on the court. He also played alongside Ashwini Ponnappa, whom he took to the finals of the Syed Modi International in 2017.His contribution to Indian badminton extended beyond his individual and doubles performances. He represented India at the Asian Games in both 2014 and 2018, consistently representing the nation with pride and determination. His long and successful career as a doubles specialist has undoubtedly left a mark on Indian badminton, inspiring many aspiring players to pursue their dreams in the doubles category.

Overcoming Adversity: The Battle with Spinal Degeneration

Although Sumeeth Reddy’s professional life was one of achievement, it was also interrupted by a major personal crisis that risked ending his badminton career altogether. At the early stages of his professional life, he was diagnosed with spinal bone degeneration, an affliction that came with enormous pain and the possibility of paralysis of the lower body. This was a major setback to a young sportsman at the height of his physical fitness.

Remembering the tough time, Sumeeth informed that doctors instructed him to retire from professional sport because of the severe danger in his condition. At the tender age of 20, without knowing what lay ahead for his body and career, he was in a risky position. The agony was so severe that it would make his back give in while standing or walking, which made even normal activities a nightmare.

Yet Sumeeth’s resolve and character stood the test of this dark period. Far from taking to heart the suggestions to quit, he opted to endure the agony, push through gruelling rehab, and then hope for the best. On the suggestion of his coach and mentor Pullela Gopichand, he made the crucial decision to switch to doubles. This tactical decision was a turning point in his career, enabling him to continue playing badminton while taking care of his physical condition.

The shift to doubles was not an easy one. The pain continued for a few years, but there were also times when his back would lose strength suddenly. Nevertheless, Sumeeth remained committed to the sport that he loved and had an iron will that could not be broken. His dedication and perseverance were rewarded when he became the National Champion for the first time in 2012, a major achievement that marked his return and justified playing on.

This individual struggle with spinal degeneration is a testament to the mental strength of Sumeeth Reddy and his determination not to give up on what he believes in. His tale serves as an inspiration to people all around the world, showing that with persistence, grit, and the appropriate mentorship, a person can conquer even the most challenging hurdles. His capacity to not only persist in playing but also to attain success despite his physical challenges is a very unique feature of his life.

Embracing the Next Chapter: Coaching and Mentoring the Next Generation

With a decision to retire from professional play made, B. Sumeeth Reddy is now concentrating full-time on the next phase of his career: coaching. He has already had some involvement with India’s national coaching framework and has been given the task of being in charge of the women’s doubles players. This change of pace is an organic step for a player who has devoted a large portion of his life to badminton and now wants to give back to the sport in another way.

Sumeeth’s passion for coaching is evident in his desire to guide and motivate young players. He aims to share his vast experience, knowledge, and insights gained over his two-decade-long career to help nurture the next generation of Indian badminton talent. His personal journey, marked by both triumphs and tribulations, provides him with a unique perspective and the ability to connect with young athletes on a deeper level. He has also set up his own badminton academy, the Sikki Sumeeth Badminton Academy in Hyderabad, along with his wife, N. Sikki Reddy. This academy is a vehicle for him to share his coaching skills and help in the grassroots development of badminton in India. His focus on developing talent at the grassroots level is a testament to his passion for the development of the sport in the country. Sumeeth’s desire to work towards making India a superpower in world badminton is a testament to his passion and dedication for the sport. He feels that his experience as an athlete combined with his knowledge of the game will be an asset in guiding the future of badminton in India. His emphasis on the women’s doubles players in the national coaching arena shows his interest in contributing to the development and success of this particular category.

His retirement at a time when he was still in the top 25 of the world in mixed doubles, together with his wife, is an example of his forward-thinking. He admitted that although he still had the ability to play, he believed that the prime period of his playing career was over. This awareness of himself and the willingness to step down without any regrets, having contributed his best to the sport, are testaments to his maturity and professionalism. Sumeeth Reddy’s shift from a successful player to a committed coach is an encouraging trend for Indian badminton. His experience, determination, and love for the game make him a treasure for the coaching community. As he sets out on this new journey, he takes with him the hopes and dreams of a nation that wishes to see Indian badminton scale even greater heights under his mentorship and guidance. His tale is not merely about a player walking into retirement; it is about a committed soul continuing to serve the sport he loves in a significant and meaningful manner.