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Former World Championships bronze medallist Jwala Gutta, who is representing Delhi Smashers in the Indian Badminton League, speaks candidly about the ignominy faced by her during the IBL auctions, her reuniting with Ashwini Ponnappa and about long-term dividends the new IPL-styled badminton tournament can provide for young Indian shuttlers.
Q. What are your views about the IBL?
Jwala Gutta: The format without doubt is excellent and should result in the growth of Indian badminton and its players.
We have always looked up to Indian Premier League in cricket. Earlier, we only knew 11 players of the Indian cricket team but now we know more than 30 players playing cricket. I am hoping the IBL will do the same for badminton players.
This is going to be the first edition and I hope it becomes a success. The format is going to be a tricky and challenging one. The games are going to be quick and aggressive. Since they are going to be short, they will be faster and entertaining for the audience. IBL will give everyone a chance to play with and against international players and in the process learn many things from them.
Q. Are the rumours of you getting back with Ashwini Ponnappa true?
JG: Yes, they are very much true.
Q. What are your future doubles plans?
JG: I have been out of action for almost a year now and lack match practice too. However, I have kept up with my fitness. Once the league ends, I will figure out which tournaments I need to play in.
Q. What do you expect to gain personally out of the IBL?
JG: At a personal level, I hope more corporates realize the importance of doubles players and come forward to sponsor them. Doubles is an important part of the game and it should get its fair share of credit.
Q. Would you like to comment on the auction controversy?
JG: All I would like to say is that injustice has been done to me. It’s not about money but about what I deserve. I have given more than half of my life to the game because I love it and therefore I expect to be treated with respect. I hope the Badminton Association of India make things right as it’s something hard for me to ignore.
Q. How would you rate the chances of your team Delhi Smashers at the tournament?
JG: We have some young talent in our team in the form of Sai, Prannoy and Arundhati. We have a pretty balanced and potential side. We have the Malaysian World No. 2 combo of Tan Boon Hoeng and Koo Kien Keat who can be pretty dangerous. Diju and I are also there. We may have not started the tournament on a winning note but are definitely looking forward to winning some of the upcoming matches. We are taking it step by step and not thinking too far ahead.
Q. How does reuniting with old mixed doubles partner Diju for Delhi Smashers feel?
JG: It’s going to be good. We have been partners for a long time now and understand each other’s game well. I am now partnering Manu Atri for the other tournaments but haven’t got much chance of playing with him. Hopefully, once IBL ends, we can start practising together and get ready for upcoming tournaments.
Q. What are your views on the younger players? Do you feel India can produce world beaters on a consistent basis?
JG: We have a pool of very young and talented players who have the potential of making it big on the international level. We are already watching players like PV Sindhu, Sai and Srikant pulling off great wins at the international tournaments which is a great sign. We can definitely, with the support of association and sponsors, produce world class shuttlers.
Q. How different is the scenario for a badminton player now as compared to when you started out?
JG: Things have definitely changed a lot in badminton. It has become quite popular among the Indian masses and many players are now participating in and winning international events, which is great for the sport. I hope more and more corporates come in to sponsor doubles players like they sponsor singles players.
Q. How much impact will the training with international stars and coaches at the IBL have on the Indian players?
JG: It will definitely have a huge impact as many players will get to play with and against foreign players. They will learn a lot in the process. They will learn about their training schedules, diet and mental attitude. They will also learn about how the foreign players prepare for matches.
