From an 8-year-old girl who had never held a racket to a 16-time National Champion, Aparna Popat's journey is about far more than badminton.
In this episode of The Parenting Pause, Naina sits down with Aparna Popat- Indian badminton legend, Olympian, and one of the sport's most respected voices- for an honest conversation about discipline, resilience, coaching, and parenting. Together they unpack what it really takes to raise a champion, especially a girl, in a country where more than half of teenage girls aren't in any sport.
From training through injury and navigating high-pressure matches, to learning the value of patience, balance, and effort, Aparna shares powerful lessons for parents and young athletes alike. She also opens up about the role of coaches, the importance of letting children enjoy sport, why the ecosystem around a child matters just as much as talent, and what needs to change so more girls stay in the game.
Whether you're a parent, athlete, coach, or simply someone who loves a good inspiring story, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and timeless lessons on sport, parenting, and resilience.
🎙️ What you'll hear in this episode:
How Aparna went from wanting to play tennis to becoming a badminton legend
What her coach saw in her before she even knew how to play
How she managed injury, pressure, and the mental side of competition
Why fun, consistency, and balance matter in a child's sporting journey
What parents should and should not do when supporting a young athlete
The real reasons girls quit sport, and how to keep them in the game
Where women in sports in India stand today, and what still needs to change
Chapters:
01:49 – Playing Through a Career-Threatening Injury
08:18 – 17 Years, 16 National Titles
10:55 – How Badminton Found Her
17:47 – Nature vs. Nurture
21:20 – Patience, Practice & the Discipline of Doing It Again
27:54 – Discipline On and Off Court
32:38 – The Ecosystem: Why Being a Sports Parent Is Hard
38:30 – The Role of a Coach
44:13 – From Her First Coach to Prakash Padukone
49:02 – Living Alone in Bangalore
55:03 – Building Mental Strength Under Pressure
1:01:15 – Rapid Fire Round
1:03:57 – Girls in Sport
1:10:55 – Progress for Women in Indian Sport
1:20:10 – What Sport Gives Girls Beyond the Game
1:22:26 – Life Lessons from Sport
1:26:52 – How to Start a Child's Badminton Journey
1:33:36 – Sports Science, Nutrition & Mental Health
1:37:30 – Access & Affordability
1:43:48 – Aparna as a Mom
1:49:33 – Closing Thoughts
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About The Host: A true Mumbaikar at heart, Naina Sharma studied Management and Finance at the Wharton School before embarking on a career with the World Bank. She is passionate about creating impact and finding purpose in both her work and everyday life. Kindness is her guiding principle, and she believes that meaningful conversations can inspire positive change. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her enjoying a cup of chai, spending time with family, or planning her next travel adventure.
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