Padma Shri Aarif is not only famous in India as a badminton coach but has gained global acclaim. He has bolstered many talents such as Gopichand, Saina Nahewal and Jwala Gutta. Government of India bestowed him with Dronacharya award. Despite being a septuagenarian Aarif Saheb, considers badminton as his life, and the LB Stadium’s badminton court is witness that he guides his students standing for hours in the court. Born on 29th January 1944, Aarif Saheb was fascinated by several games but he espoused badminton. Here is an excerpt of his talk with F M Saleem.
I am a pure Hyderabadi. My family has been living in the same house for almost 100 years. My father Syed Ahmed Husain was from Aligarh Muslim University. He played tennis and hockey. He encouraged me to take part in games since my childhood. I never stayed at home on Sundays; the whole day was spent on games. I played so many games that I can be rightly called as ‘master of none!’, Cricket, Kabaddi, Gilli danda and many more. I was over confident in each game. I thought that I was the hero of all games but later on I realised that I was a big fool.
I also played football. My height was somewhat short; taking advantage of that once I made the goal by sneaking out from beneath the leg of a player. I took admission in intermediate in Anwar-ul-Uloom College. There I got the chance of playing several matches at university level. I started playing badminton in intermediate.
Though I was an opener but thanks to the politics in cricket camps I was given the chance to bat at the end. It is but natural that talent dies when you don’t get exposure. So I left the camp. While studying in Anwar-ul-Uloom college Habeeb Omer Saheb told me ‘the way you work as a captain reflects that you can become a coach.’ Then I started coaching; one day mother asked me ‘what do you do?’ I said ‘I am a coach’. She didn’t know about the coach. When she was told that a trainer of the game is called a coach, she asked surprisingly ‘is a game a thing to be taught?’
Then I was selected for Institute of Sports Coaching Patiala. I thought it would be fun and enjoyment but it was hectic from morning to evening.
Many a times hardworking people outdo talented people hence one must work hard and nobody will stop you from standing out. Saina and Jwalagutta are the best examples for this, Jwalagutta has talents but Saina made a place by her hard work.
Award gives confidence, promotes the importance of services. I was given the first Padma Shri as Badminton coach in Andhra Pradesh. I never hoped for. Senior officer Chakravarti saheb informed me that my name was in the list of nominations sent to the centre by state government for Padma Shri. Meanwhile one of my friends asked me ‘didn’t you go to Delhi?’ I asked the reason he said one has to do a great lobbying for Padma Shri. I said ‘It is better not to take award than doing lobbying.’ But one day union minister Ahmed informed me that I was among the winners of Padma Shri award.
Games can be played until a particular age. They entail many sacrifices. Many a times you have to even sacrifice your favourite foods. You need to rest less and work more. When Kapil Dev retired from the game he ate ice-cream during his farewell party after 25 years. At that time he had said that he had forgotten the taste of ice-cream.
Games nourish children’s brain. They not only eliminate their boredom but improve learning aptitude. This is the reason that most of the players top the exams despite not going to school regularly. Games also bring discipline in children’s life.
Earlier it was said that
Padhoge likhoge banoge nawab
Kheloge Kodoge hoge kharab
But now the axiom has changed; as games also bring name and fame to the player. Children should take part in one or two games. But they should keep in mind that they should get expertise in any one so that their talents are fully utilized.