Meiraba Maisnam, the promising badminton player from Manipur, has been making news at the Thailand Open, impressing fans and coaches alike with his recent performances. Coach Vimal Kumar, who has been closely observing Meiraba’s journey, sheds light on the transformation of the young shuttler.
Meiraba’s journey began at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy when he was just 11 years old. Known for his vibrant personality and natural talent on the court, he quickly became a favourite among his peers and coaches. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic brought about a significant change in Meiraba’s demeanour.
Vimal Kumar reflects on Meiraba
Coach Vimal Kumar recalls how Meiraba, once a cheerful and outgoing child, became withdrawn and deeply religious during the pandemic. Despite his newfound devotion, Vimal encouraged Meiraba to maintain a balance between his faith and his passion for badminton. He reassured him that dedication and hard work would ultimately lead to success, rather than isolation and solemnity.
Recently, Meiraba’s dedication and hard work paid off as he secured two consecutive main draw wins at the Thailand Open. His victories against renowned players like HS Prannoy and Mads Christophersen have propelled him into the quarterfinals of a Super 500 tournament for the first time in his career.
Meiraba’s change in approach
Vimal Kumar attributes Meiraba’s success to a change in his approach over the past three months. He notes that Meiraba appears more relaxed and focused on the court, which has boosted his confidence and performance. However, Vimal also acknowledges that Meiraba’s seriousness and perfectionism could sometimes hinder his game.
“People would say he’s not focused, he’s too lazy. But I think he’s become too serious now! And he was never lazy. Those are misconceptions,” Vimal explains.
As Meiraba continues to evolve as a player, Vimal Kumar emphasises the importance of finding a balance between dedication and enjoyment in the sport. He believes that Meiraba’s journey serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, highlighting the significance of perseverance and adaptability in pursuit of one’s dreams.