'Does she share her income?': Badminton legend SLAMS Ashwini Ponnappa for ATTACKING Prakash Padukone

India's badminton campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024 ended in disappointment as Lakshya Sen lost to Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia in the bronze medal match of the men's singles event on Monday. In the aftermath, India's badminton coach and mentor in Paris, Prakash Padukone, slammed the Indian players for failing to put up a good show at the Summer Games.

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Controversy grips Indian badminton circuit 

Prakash Padukone, visibly frustrated after Lakshya Sen's loss, didn't hold back his disappointment. "I am disappointed that we could not even win one medal in badminton. This time the government has done their bit. I think it is high time some of the players also need to take some responsibility,” he said yesterday.

This critique sparked a significant controversy in the Indian badminton circuit. Ashwini Ponnappa, who recently announced her retirement after the Paris Olympics debacle, responded strongly to Padukone's remarks. In an Instagram story, Ponnappa questioned the fairness of Padukone's criticism. Ponnappa went on to argue that coaches should also be held accountable for players' losses, not just their victories. 

In response to Ashwini Ponnappa's comments, former badminton star Jwala Gutta jumped to Prakash Padukone's defense. Gutta criticized Ponnappa for trying to deflect responsibility away from the players. "Also want to know from Ashwini about coaches taking all credit…is she referring to the chief coach? And does she share her income with coaches when she wins?" Gutta remarked.

Gutta further added, "Absolute wrong statement by Ashwini! Trying to wash hands off by not taking any responsibility! Prakash sir is not wrong at all…Just asking players also to feel a little more responsible!"

Also Read: 'First Ones To Take Credit For Their Wins': India's Paris Olympics Shuttler SLAMS Prakash Padukone

The debate highlights the ongoing tensions within Indian badminton, particularly around accountability and recognition. As the dust settles on India's performance at the Paris Olympics, the sport's community continues to grapple with these critical issues.