Shuttlers and the changing systems of badminton

Coach Karthik Yarrammagari has taken the sport of badminton to an international level, starting from his home turf.

- MOHUL BHATTACHARYA

Being an individual sport, badminton has always been a sport of rigour, resilience, and absolute physical fitness. Coach Karthik, an NIS (Sports Authority of India) and BWF Level-1 certified coach, blends the Indian physicality with the scientific approach of the United States, remaining faithful to the grass root players of India.

Speaking about his philosophy, Coach Karthik Yarrammagari said, “My mission is to take my skills from country to country and prove that Indian coaching and sports science are at the highest level. India is no longer limited to excelling in just one sport — we are producing excellence across all sports, and I want to carry that message forward through my work.”

The Statesman engaged in an exclusive conversation with Karthik.

How has the change in climate affected the coaching style in the US as compared to India?

Coaching in the U.S. offers a completely different dynamic — not just in weather, but in athletic culture and learning approach. In India, training is known for being rigorous, high-intensity, and driven by competitive spirit. When I moved to the U.S., I realised I had to balance that same Indian discipline with a more data-driven and adaptive system that aligns with American sports science.

I know how long, intensive, and structured training in India can be. Implementing that level of discipline here was initially a challenge — but within days, the young athletes began to respond exceptionally well. Once they understood the ‘why’ behind every drill, they started achieving peak performance.