Para-badminton champion and IAS officer Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj addressed young achievers and emerging leaders at the TOI Youth Icons Summit & Awards – UP Chapter in Lucknow on Tuesday, sharing lessons from his journey in sports and public service and urging young people to strive for excellence in their chosen fields.Speaking at the summit, Suhas emphasised the importance of taking the first step towards one’s goals, despite the fear of failure and concerns about societal judgement. “First step, the most difficult because we think what people and society will think if we lose,” he said.Sharing his approach to success, the badminton champion said, “I have a thumb rule which I believe most of the successful people here have too, Whatever stream you are in, aim to reach the top 5 per cent of that particular stream, if you become a lawyer become the best one, if doctor become the best…whatever field you choose…Can you make it to the top 5 per cent of the pyramid.”He also spoke about the importance of perseverance, noting that setbacks are an inevitable part of life. “Ups and downs will always be a part of life, Just like the stock market. But just as the stock market, you will be successful in the long term,” he said.Encouraging young people to take chances rather than live with regret, the para-athlete said, “Its better to try and fail, than to not try at all and regret as you grow old.”He also cautioned against complacency after achieving success. “Remember it is easier to reach the peak than to stay there consistently; the enemy of success is complacency so we should not be complacent in any case,” he said.The TOI Youth Icons Summit & Awards – UP Chapter brought together achievers, emerging leaders and influential voices to celebrate young Indians shaping the country’s future. The awards recognised outstanding achievers from Uttar Pradesh across categories including enterprise, sports, society, culture and social media.The summit also featured discussions on Uttar Pradesh’s transformation over the years, including improvements in job opportunities for young people, safety and connectivity. The event focused on recognising young people whose ambition, ideas and achievements are contributing to India’s future.Addressing the issue of addiction among young people, Suhas called it a rising problem and stressed the need to recognise the consequences of one’s actions. “Addiction amomg youth is rising problem, we must realise that every action has consequences, so does addiction,” he said.Suhas is an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer and para-badminton player. He has won silver medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and gold at the 2024 BWF Para Badminton World Championships. He currently serves as secretary of the department of sports and youth welfare and director general of youth welfare and Prantiya Rakshak Dal in the Uttar Pradesh government.
