The word 'shuttle' conjures up visions of Kissinger's famed 'shuttle diplomacy' which became synonymous with détente and trouble shooting. It can be equally applied with some facility to the current Recession.
"Shuttle away"!! Now what's that thing? Is it even a proper English phrase?
May be it is or it may be a piece of restored journalese. Reckon it as something akin to "shoo off" or "chase away" or "drive off".
Since, this is about Badminton and Economic Recession, I thought the title would be appropriate. Sometime during the mid 2008, when the term "economic slowdown" started appearing in the news, it made people a bit restless. Gradually, "slowdown" turned into "recession" and now the economic crisis is being referred ever strongly as "depression". Perhaps, the economists of the world would struggle with newer superlative versions of the word "recession" to describe the economic topsy- turvy in the foreseeable future. Terms like"Economic Paralysis, "Economic Comatose" or perhaps "Economic Devastation”are already doing the rounds.
People are no longer a 'bit' restless. It is 'panic button' time. Organizations are trying to invent newer ways to cut costs:lay-offs have become commonplace these days and are regarded as stigma in our society making the situation only worse. People who have been given the polite bum's rush are finding themselves increasingly isolated and are a likely prey to inexorable pessimism. Inability to meet financial commitments and the resultant social shame prey on their minds. Failure to land up a job,fear of the loaned house been being confiscated, unpaid medical expenses and medical insurance and a host of other unsavoury thoughts assail the mind.
Eventually, this negative preoccupation of mind starts affecting ones health- both physically and mentally. In some-cases, the victims have been known to turn suicidal.
So, what options are we left with? Should we take arms against the sea of troubles or suffer in silence.
Sports can play a vital role in defusing such situations. We have got too busy with our lives to eke out time to play the games we used to enjoy. Unassuming games like T.T. And Badminton have taken a back seat. We seem to be more comfortable with parlour games like oneupmanship and gamesmanship-a virtual catch-22 situation. Now, that's altogether polemics and the argument can be endless. For the moment, let's not deviate from our focus; let's see how 30 minutes of Badminton can help to infuse some some sunshine into the 'recession ridden' life these days. I chose Badminton over other sports because of the simple fact that I play the game myself and know more about it than any other sports.
First of all, any kind of sports, be it Badminton or Football or Cricket, relaxes us. We exercise our body in playing these games and no one can deny its multifaceted and invigorating effects. Exercising boosts our immune system; regularly done it prevents common diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes; doing exercise cuts the risk of developing heart disease; and most importantly it boosts our self-confidence and helps prevent depression. But exercise without an element of fun could turn very boring and monotonous. Sports can bring in a lot of fun. A doubles Badminton game is a delightful way of having fun without a conscious effort at exercising.
Badminton like other net based sports can be played in various combinations; singles, doubles and mixed doubles. Doubles games bring into play clockwork coordination and a sense of team spirit. So, perhaps there's never a dull moment in the game. Plus, Badminton is one of the few sports where all parts of the body get a vigorous work out. Unlike other conventional sports such as Basket Ball or Cricket or Volley Ball, Badminton doesn't discriminate a player based on what role he is playing or where is he standing. In a doubles game, all the four players get equal opportunity to test their levels of stamina.
In these troubled times most of us are affected; some directly and some indirectly. Some have got the so called pink-slips and some just can't stop the thought of it creeping into their minds. Regardless of the state of things we can always take time out for a refreshing game of badminton to bring back roses to our wan and pale cheeks. Health may not be everything but everything without health is nothing.
Finding a proper place to play Badminton is not that difficult as you may be tempted to believe. Many of you would be holding membership of clubs which have integrated shuttle courts; now you have a reason to take a break from the bar and head to the court instead. Or go to one of those shuttle courts where you get public- access facilities. Gurukul Academy in Marathahalli is one such place. And if that sounds a little daunting for you, there is always an alley or a park or a back street that can convert itself into a temporary Badminton court.
Manicured turf,the glitzy beige cloth, the paraphernalia of the wily willow-well nothing of the sophistication is required. All that our game needs is GOD'S fresh air to toss the shuttle into.
Three cheers for badminton!!
BadmintonBangalore.com provides you a list of places in Bangalore where you can play Badminton and shuttle away your recession worries
