By umeeth Reddy: From Olympian to Coach with an Olympic Dream
Indian badminton star Sumeeth Reddy, who represented the country at the 2016 Rio Olympics in men’s doubles, recently announced his retirement from professional badminton. The 38-year-old, who once played alongside Manu Attri, is now venturing into full-time coaching, with a special focus on India’s top women’s doubles pair—Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand.
Reddy firmly believes that the duo has the potential to beat their formidable Chinese opponents and even clinch an Olympic medal. His transition from player to coach is driven by his passion to contribute to India’s badminton legacy, despite his own career being cut short by a severe back injury.
A Career Cut Short by Injury but Defined by Resilience
Sumeeth Reddy’s badminton journey was marked by dedication and resilience. Despite being ranked among India’s Top 3 in singles, his career took a drastic turn due to a back injury. At the young age of 20, doctors informed him that his compressed vertebrae resembled that of a 55-year-old. This forced him to give up his singles ambitions and shift to doubles, where he found remarkable success.
Partnering with Manu Attri, Reddy qualified for the 2016 Olympics—a testament to his unwavering determination. The Hyderabad-born shuttler, who grew up under the watchful eye of his father, Chandra Bhasker Reddy, remained committed to clean sportsmanship, despite the financial struggles his family faced.
Backing Treesa-Gayatri for Olympic Glory
Now, as a full-time coach, Reddy is channeling his experience and expertise into guiding Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand. The duo, who are currently ranked in the Top 10, have shown immense potential on the international circuit. Reddy believes that with the right mindset and self-belief, they can overcome their Chinese opponents, who have long dominated the women’s doubles category.
“They have the skills and talent to beat the Chinese. The only thing they need is to believe in themselves,” Reddy said in a recent interview. With his mentorship, he hopes to sharpen their tactical gameplay and boost their confidence on the global stage.
The Rise of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand
Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, the daughter of Indian badminton legend Pullela Gopichand, have been making waves in women’s doubles badminton. Known for their aggressive play and impeccable coordination, the pair has defeated several top-ranked opponents.
Their recent performances at prestigious tournaments have earned them global recognition, but they still face stiff competition from the dominant Chinese pairs. Reddy’s guidance aims to bridge this gap, helping them refine their strategies and achieve podium finishes.
Reddy’s Vision for Indian Badminton
Reddy’s retirement may mark the end of his playing career, but it signals the beginning of his new mission—to nurture the next generation of Indian badminton stars. His own experiences of overcoming injury and competing at the highest level make him uniquely equipped to guide and inspire young players.
Apart from Treesa-Gayatri, Reddy also plans to work with emerging shuttlers, helping them develop the physical and mental toughness needed for international success. His focus will be on building a strong doubles contingent that can compete with the world’s best.
Sumeeth Reddy’s journey from an Olympian to a coach is a story of grit, determination, and passion for badminton. As he takes on the role of guiding India’s top women’s doubles team, his belief in Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand’s potential offers hope for an Olympic medal. With Reddy’s experience and mentorship, the duo is poised to take on the mighty Chinese pairs and make their mark on the global badminton stage.
