Net Flicks: India’s Smashing Affair with the Shuttle

by Akshay Lokapally, Vijay Lokapally

From the pioneering achievements of legends like Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand to the groundbreaking successes of modern stars such as Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu, Net Flickscaptures the spirit and resilience of Indian shuttlers. It delves into the challenges these athletes have historically faced-dearth of financial backing and limited access to top-notch coaching, training facilities and international exposure-and describes how they overcame these obstacles to reach the pinnacle of success.

Net Flicks narrates the stories behind India's historic victories, including the iconic All-England titles and the recent triumphs in the Thomas Cup and Asia Team Championships. It also highlights the role of dedicated journalists in advocating for players' rights and the significant impact of initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) in promoting the sport.

With insightful anecdotes and expert analyses, Net Flicks celebrates the rise of badminton as a national passion, inspiring a new generation of players and fans. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or a casual reader, this book offers a comprehensive and engaging look at India's love affair with badminton.

250 pages, Paperback

Published January 18, 2025

About the author

A science graduate from Delhi University, Akshay Lokapally pursued his flair to write by frequently indulging in assisting the editors of a website on social issues, history and culture. His work on street performers, rights of homosexual people, women's initiatives and refugees received wholesome praise. He takes pride in having contributed in the education sector. This is his first book. He lives in Delhi.

Reviews

[Sanjeev Chhabra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Badminton is the only Global Sport where India consistently has players in top 20 rankings in ALL CATEGORIES for many years.

Thanks to Akshay and Vijay for shining a light on this real sport that requires fitness, strength, agility, speed, stamina, reflexes and reach.

An avid follower of sport myself, today I learned how much I didn't know about Indian Badminton through the ages.

How someone almost won the All England Open decades before Prakash Padukone did, but defaulted when he heard he had lost his family in the partition.
We hear of Damayanti who left Badminton for a 50 year search of her husband, an Airforce pilot declared missing in the 1971 war.

We read that Jwala Ghutta was not the 1st to speak to against the maltreatment by the BAI.

And much much more.

Read it regardless of your interest in badminton.

Read it for your love of India.