'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Indian badminton stars Saina Nehwal and Prakash Padukone were present earlier today at the grand opening of the Yonex showroom at Lanai Proshop. The media caught up with both for a brief interview. Here are the excerpts from the press conference:
Saina Nehwal
Q. Saina, will you be playing in the Japan Open?
A. It’s come out in the media already that because of hectic schedule of World Championships and IBL, I need some time to recover. Hence I’ll take 2 weeks off to take some rest and get ready for the following tournaments.
Q. After a long time, we have a second women’s singles player in Sindhu. There was a lot of hype before the two IBL matches between you two. Did you look at those games as a way of putting it beyond doubt that you’re the best women’s singles player in India?
A. I think it’s about how you play on that particular day. I don’t feel that there’s anything to keep in mind that you have to prove something. I just try to give my 100% because my team wanted to win and I really wanted to play well and give the team the best result. I’m very happy that we ended up winning the IBL.
Q. You mentioned that IBL hampered your recovery period. Does this impact your plans in future as well? Do you think it’s a hectic tournament to fit into the calendar?
A. I think we have to do it for the popularity of the sport. There have been continuous tournaments before too, but badminton hasn’t got this kind of popularity. Things have changed a lot after the IBL and people now know many of the players only because of the tournament, and I think this will really help badminton to grow more in India. In the first year I faced some tiredness due to the schedule, but from next year I’ll figure out ways to ensure that it doesn’t impact my participation in other tournaments.
Q. Do you think it’s a tough time to be a sportsperson in India because of sports governing bodies being involved in one controversy after another?
A. (Declines to comment) I’m here for the Yonex store launch and I want to talk about that. Or something about IBL or my tournaments, as that’s what is important right now.
Q. Do you think injuries have affected your game this season?
A. I am trying to do well every year, but after the 2012 Olympics, there were issues like my toe injury. I gradually found my rhythm and hopefully I will do better next year.
Q. How will you compare the popularity of the IBL compared to that of the IPL?
A. I am happy that someone asked for the first time whether IBL will be able to catch up with IPL. Right now, we can’t compare the two, but I am certain that IBL will grow in popularity and may be, some day catch up with IPL.
Prakash Padukone
Prakash Padukone (Getty Images)
Q. Sir, what is your take on the IBL?
A. I was on vacation – just returned yesterday – so I wasn’t here for most of the IBL. But from whatever little I’ve followed, I think it’s been a big success. The press coverage, both electronic and print, has been phenomenal. I feel it’s a new chapter in the history of Indian badminton. There are organisational matters which can definitely be improved, but as far as the event is concerned, I felt it was received very well. I was told that the crowd support was very good. So I think it’s a good sign for Indian badminton.
Q. Do you plan to be more involved in next year’s IBL?
A. It’s a long time from now. But if approached, I’ll consider.
Q. If the IBL was around during your playing days, what would your reaction have been?
A. I think it would have been the same. Things will always keep evolving, things will keep getting better. What is there now was not there 20 years back, and what was there 20 years back was not there 40 years back. This is sport, this is life. Anything positive happening for any sport is always welcome.
Q. Your take on the performances of P.V. Sindhu, who won the bronze medal at the World Championships?
A. It was a great achievement. Sindhu has a long way to go and has to work hard. She has the potential and is still very young. The rivalry (between Saina and Sindhu) is good for Indian badminton and hopefully they will play more matches. It would be great to see them at the Olympic finals.
