Tarun Kona is one of the rising stars of Indian badminton. This young powerful smasher of the shuttlecock has made his mark in both men’s doubles and mixed doubles. Excerpts from a tete-a tete with him:

Q. How tough has the loss against China been in the Sudirman Cup?

Well, the loss against China was disappointing indeed because all the players had worked hard in the build up to the Sudirman Cup. There were quite a few positives from the tie as well. Sindhu played really well against Wang Yihan and almost scored a point for us. Akshay and Pranav had a good chance in the men’s doubles as well.

Q. Why is there such a huge gap between India and China/Indonesia?

I don’t think there is a lot of gap between India and Indonesia/China because if you look at the results lately, Saina and Sindhu have been beating the Chinese players. Even Kashyap won his match against Rumbaka and has beaten Chen Long in the Indonesian open last year. When it comes to women’s doubles, Ashwini and Pradnya have beaten Ma Jin and Tang Jinhua of China in Malaysia in January. In mixed doubles, me and Ashwini have played some close matches against the Indonesian pairs, as well as Korean pairs. So overall if you look at it, it all boils down to who plays well on that particular day. Even against Indonesia, we had our chances as Kashyap had won his match and we had our hopes tied on Sindhu and on the women’s doubles match.  Sindhu had beaten her opponent in January, so we were confident. In women’s doubles, we lost two close games. Therefore, I feel we could have pulled it off against Indonesia but we were just unlucky.

Q. What effect did Saina Nehwal’s absence have on the team?

Yeah, it was definitely a blow when we came to know that Saina wasn’t playing because Saina is Saina. The Chinese and all the others fear playing her. So it was quiet a setback for us, but Sindhu played well.

Q. How is Ashwini as a senior partner?

Ashwini has a lot of experience ; she reads the game well, which kind of helps us during the match. She is the one who does the talking during the match as in doubles, one of the partners has to do the talking. She calms me down during tense situations in a match. I need to learn that from her.

Q. Girls are generally slower than boys. Is that frustrating sometimes on court?

In mixed doubles, the girls, in general, are very good at the net and they create openings for the guy to finish. Therefore, role of the girl is very important in mixed doubles. Well, I think Ashwini  has one of the hardest smashers in the game, and is  fastest mover when compared to other girls, so it’s not frustrating for me at all.

Q. Do you think doubles and mixed doubles deserve more support and attention?

The doubles scene has definitely improved. The Badminton Association of India is sending us for more tournaments and it’s good. Definitely, doubles and mixed doubles should be given more importance as only then the juniors will take up doubles from an early age. In Indonesia and China, all the players focus on doubles from the age of 14 or less, but it’s only in India that all of us start off playing singles and shift to doubles only after our junior category is over, which is at around 19. So, kids should be encouraged to take up doubles at a young age and given the right training from say 14. Even the media needs to cover doubles in a better way. For example, I and Ashwini beat the world number nine in Germany, in March and it wasn’t highlighted at all. Ashwini and Pradnya beat  the Chinese world number six in Malaysia. If the coverage improves, the younger lot will be encouraged to take up doubles at an early age. This is what I feel.

Q. Why do you think Indian players haven’t yet made a mark in mixed doubles in the international circuit?

Well I think we are still young (all of us are 24 or less) and have lots to improve on.  In the last 3-4 months, the training has changed. Gopi sir and all the other coaches are working hard on us. Gopi sir has changed our training program. It’s more intense and its turning out quite well. We are focusing more on consistency and power and it’s helping us a lot. I am sure, within the next year or so, you will definitely see better results from all the doubles players.

Q. What’s your training schedule like?

We basically train for 5 hours a day. We have on court training from 8:30 to 10:30 in the morning, which is followed by another on court session from 3 to 4:30 pm. Then, we have a  gym session  from 5 to 6 on Tuesday, Thusrday and Saturday, and on the other two days, apart from the two on court sessions, we have another on court session from 6-7 in the evening. Wednesday evenings are off and so is Sunday.

Q. How often do you practice with Ashwini?

Ashwini comes to Hyderabad whenever the national camps are on and camps are on almost throughout the year. Apart from that, when there’s a break between the camps I go to Bangalore and train with her under Tom sir.

Q. In men’s doubles, what targets have you and Arun set for this year?

Currently, me and Arun are ranked 38 in the world and our aim is to break into the top 25 by the end of this year. As far as mixed doubles is concerned, we are 31 right now and we aim to break into the top 20 by the end of the year.

Q. What are your strengths in the game? If you were to pick out one best quality of both your partners, what will they be?

Well, my strong point is my net game, as in doubles there has to be a play maker who sets up the rally for the partner to finish. As I have a good net game, my role is to see that my partner gets an opening to finish off the rally. I am lucky to have partners who have very hard smashes. Even in our mixed doubles matches, we don’t play the conventional style where the guy is at the back and the girl in front. It’s different for us as; Ashwini has a very hard smash and I am good at the net. So more often than not,  she’s at the back and I am at the net. Apart from this, Ashwini has improved her net game a lot and I am working on improving my smashes and back court play. Another thing is that I and Ashwini talk a lot about the game, so we kind of discuss about various pairs, and how they play and all.

Sanil Shetty is the upcoming star of the Indian table tennis fraternity. He played a crucial role in guiding India to win a silver at the recently concluded Commonwealth table tennis championship.

Do you think the team could have won gold instead of silver in the recently concluded Commonwealth Championship? What went wrong?

Yes, we had a good chance of winning gold in the Commonwealth but the Singapore players gave their best in the final and we faltered at crucial stages. We were not able to put any pressure on them. We did put up a good fight though. Maybe if we had made a little more effort, we might have pulled off a win.

You lost in a very close battle to Liang Ma. You must have been very disappointed.

Actually yes, I was very disappointed because I was in good shape. I was more focused, fit and hitting the ball more accurately than ever. Everything was going perfect for me but unfortunately, in the last set, I just made some unforced errors which cost me everything. It was game set match for Ma Liang.

Going by personal experience, does being left-handed help in TT?

Well, sometimes yes, because my strokes are very different and my angles are very difficult for the opponent to predict. Also, mostly right handed players have a mental block when it comes to facing left handed players. A perfect example of this can be seen in matches between Federer and Nadal in lawn tennis.

Which department do you think Indian players lack the most in TT?

Indian players are not so strong in there basics as compared to China, Japan and some other countries. For [success in] any game, basics need to be thorough[ly learn]. If our basics are right and strong, then we will automatically be on the same level as they are and as far as the Indian talent goes, maybe better than them.

TT is a relatively inexpensive game that can be picked up by a majority of people. What measures can be taken to spread awareness about the sport?

That’s not true. In today’s date, TT is one of the most expensive games. The travelling expenses, the rackets, balls, everything is expensive for a middle class family to afford for their kids.

One needs good sponsors to play the game at a professional level. If you want to spread awareness about the sport, you need publicity, for example last week I was in Paris for World Championship. They had started spreading the news all over France about the world championship 2 months prior to it and as a result, everyday there where more then 15,000 people present in the stadium to watch the matches.

Apart from TT, which other sports do you follow?

Lawn tennis. Rafael Nadal is my favourite player.

China dominates the international TT scene. Do you see them relinquishing the top spot to any other country in the near future?

I can’t see anyone who can beat China in the near future. From infrastructure to training, they have everything far superior than most of the countries have. In fact, no other Asian country has a sporting culture as good as the Chinese. They are far ahead of us.

Which is that one victory that you relish the most?

Victories are hard earned, therefore every victory gives the utmost satisfaction.

Tell us more about the 10k run event in Bangalore.

Aptly named Ananda Yana (Journey of Joy), this event is aimed at raising funds to support children from disadvantaged backgrounds. There will be three categories of runs – 4k, 6k and 10k.

Bringing the city alive on June 2nd, this is a first-of-its-kind non-profit run organised by city-based running communities. The three organisations the event supports are – Ananya Trust, a learning centre that works with children who have dropped out of mainstream schooling (primarily due to learning disabilities or behavioural disabilities), Sneha Care Home, a residential facility for HIV positive children and Thayi Mane, a home for children who are orphaned or are victims of abuse.

What is the main aim of organising such a run?

Along with supporting the organisations, the organisers aim at creating a community of runners with a spirit of giving. The running community has already grown many times more than what it was three years ago. This is the reason why it is possible to organise a completely volunteer-based event with no sponsorship or branding. Right from bands performing at the running track, photographers, Traffic Wardens Organisation supporting the event and people at parking and water stations – everything will be taken care of by the runners, (in an event) for the runners.

How important are these runs?

Everyone can easily relate to others through running as it is an integral part of keeping oneself fit. Also, it should be an important part of an extra co-curricular activity in schools. It is not commercially oriented unlike many other runs but has more of a social concept behind it. It will bring people together and is also quite affordable.

What kind of response have you been getting so far?

The response has been good so far. The word is still spreading about the event. Also in future, we aim to reach the thousand mark. However, for now, we are anticipating 400 people to participate at least.

Running is the best form of exercise, and yet youngsters are not keen on taking it up. Why do you think that is the case?

Fitness has been in trend since forever. In India, it’s yet to develop as a culture. With social networking and technology taking over today’s teen lives, it’s important for them to realise the importance of fitness. Cases of obesity are on rise and it’s high time when parents and schools educate their children about its benefits.

How important is running to you?

Running and passion for sports and fitness activities can be life changing. Especially, when we venture into the realms of endurance events, the idea of training and accomplishing a target can have an enormous effect on self belief and the personality. It, in effect, helps us learn more about ourselves and realise our true potential in every aspect of life. My journey with endurance sports started with my participation in events to raise funds for Team Asha. Now, the fundraising and running makes more sense than ever before! Our efforts through Runner’s High and Team Asha have been a learning experience! It has been challenging and also every bit worthwhile to be doing full time what I always wanted to.

Running for charity is very popular abroad, but not so much in India. Why do you think that is the case?

Yes, the running culture is big in places like US and UK. They organise jogs and amateur runs which is very popular among the crowd. They are more directed towards a healthy lifestyle and therefore take parts in different charity runs. In India, it’s picking up a little pace and in few years’ time, we will see people participating in very large numbers.

These days, there have been many incidents where children have been exploited by the NGOs. Your comment?

We have to realise that children are very vulnerable. Exploitation of children defeats the whole purpose of an NGO. Not all NGOs should be trusted. Only the ones which have transparency in their operations should be trusted.

Why did you sacrifice your engineering career for running?

After schooling and college, I was on a career path of a VLSI CAD engineer in one of the leading microprocessor companies. Slowly, I realised that chip design and CAD did not inspire me any more. I was passionate about running and interacting with children. Even as a kid, I loved to run and really wanted to do a few things, but somehow along the way, different plans were made. I don’t repent losing the opportunity and at the same time, didn’t consider it too late to go in search of it. With my involvement with various grassroot efforts and in particular, experiences with training children for running, I saw a confluence of both my passions.

Tell us about your organisation Runner’s High.

Runner’s High is a community of runners helmed by me that aims to share the joys and experience of running and giving to the broader community at large. Our mission at Runner’s High is: To strive to assist members of the community in their eternal quest to reach their true potential – physically, mentally and spiritually, in a holistic, sustainable and enjoyable manner.

It’s about getting the Runner’s High! Runner’s High – The name is a pun signifying the two important aspects of what the organisation strives to do –

• Bring running and fitness sports to everyone in the community, irrespective of their backgrounds and to help each individual reach their potential in the truest sense – this feeling of reaching one’s own potential through sports and enjoying the whole process is what we call a ‘Runner’s High’.
• In the current state of affairs, education for children is perceived in a narrow fashion as academics and specialised technical training that’s not hands-on. We hope to break out of this trend to open everyone’s mind to a different perspective – an alternative based on experiential learning. Running and sports are one of many experiences that open up a world of learning for the child – hence, the term ‘Runner’s High’ refers to a new learning space that breaks the notion of a restricted area, physically or mentally, where the child should learn.

Steven Peter Devereux “Steve” Smith’s star is on the rise after impressing recently in the Tests for Australia in India. The all-rounder was Pune Warriors India‘s best player last season when he shone with the bat and in the field. This season though, he hasn’t been able to cement his place in the side, which is struggling at the bottom of the table again, with the foreigner spots being traded quite regularly.

The New South Wales man was recently in conversation with Sportskeeda. Here are the excerpts:

Do you feel playing for any other franchise in the IPL could do more justice to your talent or are you happy playing for PWI?

I am really happy playing for PWI. It’s a great franchisee and I am enjoying my time in it. We have a great management as well and the owners are pretty encouraging. There is no pressure from them even if we are losing which is a good thing.

Do you miss the presence of Sourav Ganguly in the Pune Warriors’ dressing room this year?

He was a great player and used to keep everyone motivated in the dressing room. It was great to have such an experienced good player on our side.

What is the main area of concern for PWI?

We are a pretty good side actually. It’s just we have lost so many close matches. I think our inability to covert (those close finishes) into wins have cost us. We haven’t been able to click together as a team but there are still few matches left. We are hoping to make amends and put up a good show and notch some wins.

Is Pune a victim of poor leadership?

Well, I wouldn’t say that. In T20s you need to pick up a right combination, keeping the opposition in mind and therefore there are bound to be frequent changes happening. In every match you have to come up with different strategies. It’s just we haven’t been lucky enough till now.

You have been one of the few players who has performed for PWI consistently. Would you see yourself going up the batting order and take control of the game?

Yes I am glad that I am playing well. It’s for the captain to decide but I am fine with my batting position right now.

You performed very well in the Test series against India. Do you see yourself finally cementing a place in the Test side?

As a cricketer it always feel good to perform well for your team. I have improved and matured as a player and feel ready to handle the responsibility well. Apart from batting, I have also worked on my bowling and fielding skills. I do hope to cement my place in the Australian Test side and perform to the best of my abilities.

Why did Australia failed to put up a fight against India in the recently concluded Test series?

Well, India is a pretty good Test side. They did well while we faltered in many departments. We were a pretty young side and lacked experience.

Among all the present Australian batsmen, you seem to handle spin bowling better than most. So do you see yourself as one of the front line batsmen playing for Australia in the future Tests, specially those in the subcontinent?

I have been working pretty hard on my batting. Personally I think I have improved a lot in terms of technique and timing the ball well. Also, I am more steady than ever and have worked on my shot selection. As a batsman, it’s my duty to play well and make runs whether I bat up or down the order and therefore I always look forward to fulfil it properly.

Siddharth Suchde is a professional squash player from India. He grew up in India, Scotland and Switzerland. He is one of the few sportspersons who even boasts of having a degree from Harvard University in Economics. He was a College National Champion in Squash. He was in conversation with Sportkseeda recently. Here are the excerpts:

Despite being one of the most popular indoor sports in the world, why aren’t more people playing squash in India?

It’s still an elitist sport, but the numbers have definitely gone up due to two reasons:

a) More availability of courts.

b) Indian players performing better than they ever have on the international circuit.

Do you believe glamour is important for squash to grow?

It helps but it’s not essential. At the end of the day, it’s like a business, you can’t market any stuff (without glamour). Success is the most important attribute though. Look at badminton, it’s not particularly glamorous, but the achievements of the Indian athletes mean that it’s in the forefront of most sports publications. Glamour might take it to the next level but the foundation (of any sport’s success) is the spectacular achievements of the athletes.

If squash does become a part of the 2020 Olympics, what do you think of India’s chances?

I hope they will be very good. 7 years is a long time. There are some amazing youngsters coming through.

What do you think the federation should do to make squash part of the Olympics?

They’ve done a lot so far. This is by a long way, the most professional campaign run by squash to get into the Olympics. The vote is in 5 weeks I think, so everyone’s keeping their fingers crossed. The hard works has been done and I’m sure everyone’s eagerly anticipating the announcement.

What is your training schedule like?

I’m on a break, so would prefer not to answer this now.

How different is training in Leeds from India?

You have the very best players in the world to train with in Leeds. Unfortunately in India, that’s not the case. It’s much better than     it used to be but still a long way to go before we can recreate a world class training environment.

What has been your best achievement till date in squash?

A medal in the Asian Games and reaching 39th ranking in the world. (Either) one of the two.

What ranking do you aim to achieve by the end of this year?

Yet to decide.

Is solo practice beneficial?

It depends how you do it. The cliched answer is yes. It’s practice at the end of the day.

You are a Harvard graduate. How tough was it to combine squash with studies?

I wasn’t a professional when I studied. Unfortunately, the university did not allow it. I only joined the pro tour at 23. During my    college years, I played the intercollegiate scene which was great fun but it’s definitely not as hard or competitive as playing professional squash. But overall, (I) never saw it as being tough because it’s exactly what I wanted to do.

What do you see yourself doing after a squash career? Do you want to remain connected to the sport by taking up coaching?

No chance. I’ll do something totally different.

What tournaments are lined up for you?

It’s summer now, so at the moment I am enjoying my break.

What is this “liveyoursport” initiative of yours?

I promise you’ll be the first to know when the time’s right.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the young superstar of the Indian cricket team. He made his debut against Pakistan in both T20I and ODIs in December 2012 and came into limelight with his prodigious swing. He claimed his first T20 wicket in his first over and his first ODI wicket on his first delivery on debut. He later made his Test debut against Australia. The man from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh has been a regular for Uttar Pradesh Ranji team and now Pune Warriors Indian in IPL. He was recently in conversation with Sportskeeda. Here are the excerpts:

Despite having a good squad, where is Pune Warriors India going wrong?

We do have a good squad on paper, however it’s unfortunate we haven’t been able to click together as a side. We are still trying our best to get back in the tournament.

You stress more on swing or pace?

I concentrate more on swing, however I keep working on my pace too. For a bowler, both are essential.

With Praveen Kumar and Vinay Kumar back to full fitness, do you think you have a tough competition for your place in the side?

No, not really. I never try to compare (myself) to others. I do my job, which is bowling with full sincerity and dedication. I concentrate a lot on myself rather than wasting my energy thinking about things which are not in my hand. I am a very positive person.

You got your first ODI wicket with your first delivery on debut. How did it feel?

It was a great moment. It was my first match for India and that too against Pakistan. I had worked really hard and was confident of a good performance and I am glad I was able to do well. The moment will always remain as a wonderful memory.

Who has been your idol?

I don’t have any idol as such. However, I learnt a lot about bowling from Praveen Kumar as we are from the same city and used to practise together.

What is your role in the subcontinent where the pitches help spinners?

My role has always been to take wickets, irrespective of what kind of pitches I have to play on. In cricket wherever you are going to play, conditions are never going to be the same or to your advantage. I try to make the best out of everything.

Do you consider yourself as an all-rounder?

Well, at international level, it would be too early to say. I do work on my batting though and like batting too when given a chance. In today’s competitive cricket, it’s important to be good in all aspects of the game.

In front of Chris Gayle (in his innings of 175), you held your own. What was your plan while bowling to him in that form?

Well, there was no plan as such. I tried to bowl in the right areas and restrict him as much as possible.

How different is it playing in IPL compared to a T20I?

It’s a different feeling when you are playing for your country. There is a little pressure too. IPL has a different crowd and a different approach as we have to play for a franchise.

Next up is Champions Trophy in England where you are expected to be more lethal than spinners in the side. How excited are you?

There is still time for it and as I said, it’s always a great feeling and a privilege to play for India. I will try to bowl the best I can and take as many wickets as possible.

Kedar Jadhav is a middle-order batsman for Delhi Daredevils. He plays for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy. His triple ton against UP last year was rewarded and he was selected in the probables list of the Indian team for the Champions Trophy.

Q. How did the domestic season go for you?
A. It was a superb season for me over in all the formats. The turning point was when I played against UP which consisted of quality bowlers and I scored a triple hundred. It was then when I knew that the season ahead is going to be solid for me.

Q. How different is IPL from Ranji? Which format do you like better?
A. IPL is a great platform to compete with ace cricketers all over the world, and to play with and against them. One gets to learn a lot in terms of technique and strategies. Ranji Trophy is the most important tournament in the domestic circuit and most of the players gain prominence after performing well in it. However, because of my batting style, I prefer playing one days and T-20.

Q.You play for DD. Is it frustrating sitting on the bench sometimes?
A. Not at all. I am surrounded by international players and an experienced coaching staff which helps me learn. Luckily, I am playing in the eleven and doing well. I keep myself prepared whether I am playing or not.

Q. Does DD have a X-factor they can boast of?
A. Virender Sehwag without doubt is our trump. Also David Warner is one of our main dynamic batsman.

Q. DD lost a very close match to CSK in the last encounter. What is the atmosphere in the dressing room like?
A. We are obviously disappointed as we weren’t able to put up a good show. CSK outdid us in all the departments. Unfortunately, things haven’t turned out in our favour so far. We have lost some really close matches. However, we are keeping our motivation levels high and learning from our mistakes.

Q. Do you think there is still a chance for DD to make it to the top four?
A. With the amount of quality players we have, we can certainly make it to the play-offs. But we have made it difficult by losing a few close games. We are trying our best to get back on track. It’s going to be a very difficult task for us, but cricket is an unpredictable game and there is always scope of turning things around.

Q. What keeps you motivated?
A. My passion for the game keeps me going. Cricket has been my first love since I was young and the fire to do well in it still burns bright.

Q. What are your strengths and weaknesses in the game?
A. My self-belief is my strength. I practise very hard on every aspect of my game whether its batting, fielding or bowling.

Q.You are in the probables list of the Champions Trophy. Are you happy with your inclusion?
A. Well, it’s always good to see hard work being recognized and rewarded. As a cricketer, I always try to perform to the optimum level. Selections are something which are not in our control; however, when we are selected, it gives us more encouragement and confidence.

FILE PHOTO: Gurkeerat Mann Singh

Gurkeerat Singh Mann is the young Punjabi munda who is known in the KXI team as an attacking batsman. His dynamic performance in the last IPL helped him get a place in the Punjab Ranji squad. This IPL he is playing an important role for KXIP. He was in an exclusive chat with Sportskeeda recently. Here are the excerpts:

Kings XI Punjab have had mixed results at the start of IPL 6. What is the atmosphere in the dressing room like?

Well, the atmosphere is great in the dressing room. All the players have gelled together very well and have lots of fun together. With the inclusion of couple of Punjab boys, the fun has doubled.

KXIP standings on the points table is not so good. Everyone must be pretty desperate to change that..

I think we have a right combination of players in our team. We are both attacking and defensive in the right proportion and this has helped us increase our efficiency this year. We did very well in our last match against the defending champions KKR and would like to continue with the same momentum. As a team, we try to give our best and not worry about the points table.

How is Preity Zinta as the owner of the team? Tell us how she keeps you boys motivated.

I think she is an amazing person and has created a very friendly atmosphere in the team. She just tells us to do our best and keep a positive mindset. Also, she tells us not to take any pressure and stay calm and relaxed.

KXIP has showed a lot of faith in youngsters like you, Manan Vohra and Mandeep Singh and given you opportunities to bat higher up the order. Does that put you under extra pressure?

Yes, I am grateful for everyone showing that faith in me and I try to deliver the best I can. It doesn’t add any pressure. On the contrary, it encourages me.

On what areas of your batting did you work on before IPL started?

I have been working on different aspects of my game. I am trying to add more of variety in all the departments of my game. Hopefully, all the hard work will pay off.

How different is the experience of Ranji Trophy from IPL? Which format do you like more?

IPL gives domestic players a lot of confidence and it feels great to share the dressing room with the greats of the game. Ranji trophy has its own significance as it is the ladder to the Indian team. As a cricketer, I aim to perform well in all the formats of the game.

How important has IPL been for you?

IPL has been very good for me. It has given me a lot of confidence and helped me perform well in the domestic circuit. The opportunity of playing with the cricket legends helps me learn a lot both on and off field.

How is Adam Gilchrist as a captain? What is the best advice he has given to you?

Gilli has been a great captain for us and motivates all the youngsters. He would give tips to everyone in the team about batting and controlling our nerves in the crucial matches. He has the perfect attitude required for an outstanding cricketer which makes him such a legend.

Do you think KXI is capable of grabbing the league title this year?

Yes, definitely. We have all the material to lift the cup. I always feel the game is not so much about big names but more about team combination. At the moment our confidence is pretty high and we are aiming to notch up a victory in the next game.

What is your ultimate dream in cricket?

I would like to represent India in all the formats.

Sanil Shetty: “I focus on my technique, speed and concentration a lot.”

Sanil Shetty is one of the rising stars of Indian Table Tennis. He won the North Zone title recently and is the no. 2 ranked player in India.

You recently won a doubles title with Jakub Janos (of Hungary). How was the experience?

Yes, Jakub and I won the Fajr Cup. India emerged as the most successful country in the Fajr Cup tournament and I was happy to contribute to its success.

Are you planning to take doubles more seriously?

I take all events seriously, but in May we have the Commonwealth Championship. I am pairing up with Sharath Kamal and we have a good chance of winning the Gold Medal. We are working hard on it for now.

What is your training schedule like?

Everyday I practice for 6 hours and dedicate 1 hour to fitness. Sunday is a full day’s rest, so that my body recovers. I focus on my technique, speed and concentration a lot.

You recently lost in the semis at the Nationals. Where did you falter?

Yes, I lost in the semis because of a lot of unforced errors from my forehand and then I wasn’t able to get back in the game. However, I have learnt my lesson and I know I have the potential to win big tournaments, so I will continue to work hard and hopefully the results will follow.

How can TT be popularized in our country?

In the rest of the world, TT is famous because of the leagues, so I think TT can be popularized in India just by starting a league system. The league system has been pretty successful in other games, especially cricket and hockey. Even Badminton and Tennis are coming up with it. The league system will attract the masses and therefore more and more people will develop interest in the game.

Do you go abroad to train? If yes, then where?

Till date I have been training in India but this year I will be going to Sweden. I have few big tournaments coming up this year and therefore would like to prepare myself well for them.

Indian footballer Sunil Chettri during a practice session

Sunil Chhetri is one of the best footballers India has ever had. He is India’s second highest goal scorer after Bhaichung Bhutia. He is known for his excellent running and great agility. His goal-scoring record for both club and country is exemplary. He is also the first Indian footballer to have played in the United States and Portugal.

Sportskeeda caught up with the footballer for a quick chat. Here are some excerpts from the interview:

Q. What steps do you think should be taken to make football popular among the Indian masses?

To increase the popularity of the sport, we need to do something one the lines of the IPL. Playing football in big stadiums and well-organized tournaments will attract more public and generate greater interest and will benefit everyone. I think corporates should come in and invest more money in football.

Q. Do you think opening of football schools in India will help more people to take up the sport?

The development needs to start from the grassroot level and that is how eventually football will grow in India. More and more proper academies should be set up at all levels. It’s important for the kids to get the right kind of training from the beginning, which should include proper techniques, diet and fitness – both mental and physical. Personally, I think Indian football has a lot of potential for growth and with proper planning, it will eventually grow leaps and bounds.

Q. Have you set any goals for 2013 which you would like to achieve by the year end?

I have never set long-term goals for myself. I keep short -term goals as they are more achievable. I am practising with the Indian team in Goa for the upcoming tournament and would like to perform well in that.

Q. You played for Sporting CP in Portugal and Kansas City Wizards in the United States. How are the leagues abroad different from the Indian leagues?

Well the league abroad are highly intense and competitive. All the players are very quick and agile.

Q. You have recently been loaned to Churchill Brothers by Sporting CP. How are things coming along for you with your new team?

I think we are a pretty decent and hard working side. We did well in the Goa league but not so well in the AFC Cup. However, we are determined to perform well in future matches. Our goal is to win the I-League so let’s see how things go from here on forward.

Q. How did you get into football?

I think I was pretty lucky as when I passed class 12th, Mohun Bagan picked me up as they liked my skills during the Durand Cup.

Q. Are you enjoying your role as captain of the Indian Football team?

Yes. I am completely enjoying my role as captain. It took me a little time to adjust as now I have a big responsibility and higher expectations, but I am trying to do the best I can. I am glad to have players like Subrata Pal, Gouramangi (Singh) and Mehtab (Hossain) to guide me whenever I need their help.

Q. Do you miss the presence of Bhaichung Bhutia in the team?

Of course! I miss him a lot. He is like a brother to me and undoubtedly a great man and one of the greatest footballers India has ever had. The things I have learnt from him helps me in my game even today.

Q. Which team do you support generally?

I am a die-hard Barca fan and hope to play for them someday.

On the occasion of ‘Women’s Day’, Sportskeeda caught up with one of the most popular female golfers in India, Sharmila Nicollet, at the Hero Women’s Pro Golf tour in which she is participating. Here are some excerpts from the exclusive interview:

Q. You finished third today. What went wrong for you?

Today was just a really bad day. It was like a roller coaster for me. Everything went wrong. The sun is torturous in Mumbai.

Q. Is it true that you are playing despite having injuries?

Yes, I am on a heavy dose of painkillers as I have injuries in the spleens of both the legs.

Q. Don’t you think playing with injuries will further instigate them?

Well, I just can’t stop myself from playing. Also, we are required to play certain number of tournaments so I couldn’t pull out. Earlier, I suffered a rib cage injury which was much worse than this one, but I still played. However, I have pulled out from the next two tournaments happening in India as I am going to head back to Bangalore and work with my physio for rehabilitation.

Q. When are you leaving for the European circuit?

I will be heading to Europe in the last week of March; so hopefully before that, I should be fully fit.

Q. How important is fitness for a golfer?

It plays a very important role. To speak for myself, I am a total fitness freak and I make sure I work out for at least one hour everyday. Most of the times, when I am not playing golf, you will find me in the gym sweating it out. I also do a lot of yoga. I have Indo-French genes so I have to work really hard on my body. Also you have to be very strong mentally to play the game. I think 80 percent of the game is mental.

Q. Golf is considered as a sport for the very elite class. Do you think this is the reason it is not that popular among the masses?

Yes, playing golf is definitely a tough task for any middle class person as it involves huge expenses like club memberships, gear and travelling. I think more investment should be made in the game by corporates and others to make the game more accessible to everyone.

Q. What are your future plans in golf?

I plan to do well and win some International tournaments. I am really working hard for it. I think me winning an International tournament will really boost the popularity of golf in India. Just the way badminton received so much attention once Saina Nehwal came into the picture after winning an International tournament, I hope for the same with golf.

Q. You are considered as one of the best looking women in sports. What do you have to say about that?

Well, I am flattered. I take it as a compliment. I like adding fashion to sport and while most of the people may criticize it, I think it is important as people notice you and want to know more about the game. If me being the face of golf helps to raise its popularity, then I am really proud about it.

Q. Any plans of walking on the ramp?

As of now, golf is my priority. The game has given me so much and whatever I am today is because of it. I want to give it all back to the sport and therefore I don’t want any distractions. I already have a lot of modelling offers and movie offers. I would love to do anything which is connected to golf. For example: a shoot for golf or say a role where they portray me as a golfer.

Q. What kind of a person are you off the golf course?

I am a very tomboyish kind of girl. I love junk jewellery, I love cars. I own a modified car. I am also an ambassador for Audi and plan to buy one maybe later this year.

Q. Are the rumors true about you dating Virat Kohli and Pankaj Advani in the past?

Absolutely not. I know Pankaj and he is a very sweet guy and a friend. Virat and I are  friends as well. I am not looking for any kind of relationship right now as I am already into one with golf.

Dhawal Kulkarni emerged as the hero for the Mumbai Ranji team, as they won their 40th Ranji title. His efforts were rewarded, with the player getting a place in the India A team. The lanky pacer is also an integral part of the Mumbai Indians team. Sportskeeda had a chat with the 24-year old about his recent achievements, and his plans for the future:

You played a major role in the Mumbai Ranji team’s triumph this year. What changes, if any, did you make in your bowling?

Well, yes, I was bowling well this season. I wasn’t getting wickets initially, but I kept myself calm and did not get frustrated, and it worked for me eventually. I worked a lot on my fitness. Also, I was aiming to generate more pace on a regular basis, which I did.

You were included in the Indian Test team back in 2009, but didn’t get a chance to play. Are you hoping for another call?

Yes, absolutely. I have been performing well for the last 5 years, but it all depends on the selectors.

You have been associated with the Mumbai team for a long time now. How does it feel to be a part of the successful side?

It’s been a great journey so far, and I am proud to be a part of the side. We play as a cohesive unit and are like a family, and are always there for each other when needed.

Fast bowlers, we have seen, are more prone to injuries. How do you make sure that you keep yourself away from them?

Fitness is the key when it comes to avoiding injuries, and I religiously keep up with my fitness. I am on the field the whole day, and then hit the gym without fail. It’s a really tough task, but I have to do it.

What keeps you motivated?

My dream to play for India motivates me to work hard and achieve the dream.

What do you have to say about your performance for the India A team?

Well, I bowled pretty well. The wicket wasn’t a very suitable one for pacers, but I am satisfied with my performance.

Are you looking forward to IPL 6 this year with the Mumbai Indians?

Yes, definitely. Mumbai Indians is my home team, and with Ricky Ponting as our captain this year, I am sure it is going to be very exciting.

Does Sachin Tendulkar advice you on a regular basis?

Yes, he shares his experiences with me and gives me feedback. He is always there to help me, or in that case anyone, when they need him.

Ravi Dixit (right)

Ravi Dixit is a young, lanky squash player from Delhi, but don’t let his appearances deceive you as he is aggressive as Hulk once inside the squash court. He has been a junior national champion and has big plans of breaking into the international scene too. He is also a part of the Indian squash team.

You have been an Asian Champion. What are you aiming for next?

Well, after becoming the 1st Indian Asian junior champion, the hopes on me are more, to make more records like this one. Crossing over from the juniors to the seniors has been quite interesting for me. My outlook towards the game has changed quite a lot. At this level the competition is tough, so I have to work hard to keep up with the seniors. I am World No.2 in Under-21 category currently.

How is your performance coming along?

I am the third highest ranked Indian squash player, currently ranked 154 in the world. My performances have been consistent for the past couple of years on the circuit and I aim to improve further and make my presence felt at various PSA events this year. I also aim to make it to the top 50 in the PSA Rankings in the next 2-3 years.

What is your training schedule like?

My training goes on for 5 days a week, with 4 hours spent everyday during morning and evening. Since last 7 years I am training in Chennai under Major Maniam and Cyrus Poncha (national coach).

What do you think should be done to uplift the status of squash in India?

As I said, squash is not as famous as cricket (laughs). I think that to increase the popularity of any sport, it is important to get the people involved in the sport first. We have to reach out to the people if we want to make squash popular. A good way of doing that is to set up matches in malls, have live coverage on TV and make the game more viewer-friendly.

Are you sponsored by any company? If not, are you looking for it?

Not really, but I just don’t understand why nobody takes squash seriously. Why is it all the time about cricket, huh? I am really looking forward to it if some brand or company approaches me. Right now, all my expenses are borne by Mr. N. Ramachandran, the World Squash Federation President, SRFI (Squash Rackets Federation of India) and the Tamil Nadu government.

Do you think squash will be included in the Olympics? How is the bid coming along?

Yes, of course! Without a doubt, squash is one of the best sports in the world. We are trying really hard to get squash inducted in Olympics 2020. We have asked tennis player Roger Federer and a few of our Indian cricketers to support our sport, which they are doing, like Sachin Tenudulkar, Harbhajan Singh and Virender Sehwag; we are really thankful to them. Our hopes are really high to get squash selected for 2020 Olympics.

What made you choose squash as a sport?

Basically, I am from Dhampur, which is a few hours from Delhi. There’s a sugar factory called Dhampur Sugar Mills Ltd. Its chairman is Mr. Vijay Kumar Goel. When I used to play squash in Dhampur, he used to help me with everything and continues helping me a lot. Then there is one person, my Godfather Mr. Sharad Sharma, and also my 1st coach Mr. Shyamlal Verma (who’ve helped me in my endeavour).

Well, there is one sports complex in Dhampur. I just used to go there everyday and hang out with my friends. Then one day, Mr. Shyamlal Verma asked me and my friends to try this game. I was around 10 years old and I agreed because squash is totally different from other sports and I found it very interesting too. From that day onwards, I started playing and till now, I am on it.

You had done a TV show ”Zor ka Jhatka” earlier. Are you planning to shift into the showbiz?

Well, it’s a very different and interesting question (laughs). Bollywood was a totally different field for me when I got a call from Percept Talent Management. I was at home with my family when they asked me if I was interested in working with Shah Rukh Khan in a reality show called “Zor Ka Jhatka”. I asked them what it was about. They told me that it’s kind of a sporty game. Its English version was called ”Wipe out”. I just started laughing and said that it sounds good. Well, who doesn’t want to work with SRK!

To be honest, the reason why I did that show was to tell people more about squash. It’s because people don’t know much about this game. I just wanted to promote my game in different ways, like in Bollywood style. During the shooting of “Zor ka Jhatka”, I made so many good friends in Argentina like Claudia Ciesla, Vindu Dara singh, Dimpy Mahajan, Debina, Ashima Bhalla, Virjesh, Raja Choudhary, Mink Brar, Albert, and many more. I am still in touch with them. Whenever I go to Mumbai, I see them.

Brijesh Damani is a snooker ace from Bengal who was a runner up in the recently-concluded Snooker Nationals. He has represented India in various tournaments around the globe and will soon be participating in a tournament in Pakistan.

What do you think went wrong in the finals of the Nationals for you?

Although I lost in the finals, I’m still happy with the way I played for the entire week. The finals were held under difficult conditions because of the moisture, but I’m sure that having improved upon my earlier rankings, I will do well at the Asian Snooker Championships, along with the other international events that will be held this calendar year.

You have represented India in lot of tournaments. What is the difference between Indian and foreign cue sport players?

The main difference between Indian and foreign players I feel is the number of high-quality tournaments that the overseas players play, as compared to us. But the situation today is still much better than say five years back, when we could go for only 2-3 international events per year. I think that with more exposure at the highest level, we will fare much better when representing India at the Asian Indoor Games and the World Championships.

Why do you think cue sports are not very popular in India? What steps can be taken to improve its standard?

The fact that cue sports in India are still not televised is perhaps the main reason why it is lacking popularity with the masses. The need of the hour is to ensure that events like the National Championships and the Asian Championships are televised live, so that it can appeal to the masses. However, I would like to add that with the introduction of the junior and the sub-junior categories at the National Championships, there has been a spurt in the number of school children who now play our sport, as compared to previous years.

How difficult it is to carry on with the sport without proper sponsorships?

I feel that it’s almost imperative to have sponsorships. Almost no sportspersons in India can survive without the help of proper sponsorships, because to excel one needs proper coaching, playing facilities, along with expenses that are incurred while one is staying away from home to play in a tournament. With the interest shown by most oil companies and Railways to form teams, the players are now getting a lot of help, but we still need private organisations to support players.

You are going to Pakistan for a tournament. Do you think its a good idea, as security is an area of great concern there?

I don’t think that travelling to Pakistan is that big an issue. They are very good hosts, and the security that they put in place is very tight, so that players do not face any problems. They are superb hosts and have always ensured a warm and comfortable stay for us.
I will again be travelling next month to Karachi again to represent India at the Asian Snooker Championships.

Cue sports have been omitted from the Asian Games. Do you think it’s a big setback for you players?

With cue sports not being part of the CWG, Olympics and now the Asian Games, we players are very sad that we lose the chance to represent India at these mega-events. However, we still are a part of the Asian Indoor Games and are hoping that the Government will soon recognize this event to be at par with Asian Games. Being a gold medallist at the Asian Indoor Games and a silver medallist at the Asian Games 2010, I must tell you that the competition is the same.

Would you advise youngsters to look at cue sports as a career option in India?

I would like more and more youngsters to take up our sport, as no other sport in our country has won more medals, World Championships, and Asian Championships. The fact that you need to compete with yourself to excel is so attractive. The fact that within the national circuit you are always competing with 3-4 world champions gives so much motivation and encouragement.

Manan Chandra is an internationally acclaimed Indian amateur snooker and pool player. He recently won the much coveted National Crown.

How does it feel to be a National Champion?

It feels great. The last couple of years have not been my best, so this title gives me back the confidence and belief to do even better now.

Is this your maiden crown?

This is my 2nd National Snooker title. I won my first in 2006. I have also won 5 National 9-Ball pool titles, two 8-Ball pool and 4 junior Nationals which take my tally of National titles to 13.

How do you prepare yourself before a match?

I don’t do anything in particular. I just try giving my eyes rest by not reading anything or watching TV. I listen to music, just converse with someone or if I have time, then sleep. Basically anything to relax the eyes, mind and body so I’m totally fresh for the match. Meditating for a bit also helps.

Who was the toughest opponent you faced in this nationals?

I think every opponent is tough in the knockout stages of Nationals, as you are not only competing with your opponent, but yourself with all kinds of pressures, expectations from others as well as yourself. For example, on paper, my toughest opponents were in the pre-quarters and semi finals, but the match which I could’ve almost lost was in the quarters and it took all my mental strength and some luck to come out of it victorious.

What keeps you motivated even now?

I have been playing this game since the last 17 years and been consistently doing well at the National level. The love for the game as well as the desire to win medals and titles for the country is what really drives me to strive harder. My wife is a great motivator especially when I’m going through a rough patch. Also the support from my family and friends, and my employers BPCL is very encouraging for me to keep working towards my goal.

Your wife is India’s best women’s snooker player. Has she ever defeated you in practice?

We practice together all the time, and although I win more often, she does manage to beat me at times (with a handicap of course!)

What measure would you suggest to raise the popularity of cue sports in India?

With the number of World and Asian titles, and the medals at the Asian games and Asian indoor games, this sport definitely deserves to be right up there in terms of popularity. It needs to be marketed better in a way that more corporate sponsors get involved with the game on a regular basis. There has to be much better media coverage in all forms. Television is a must. The game also needs to be taken to the grassroots level and be made more accessible to the masses.

What is next for you as far as tournaments are concerned?

I will be representing India at the Asian Snooker championship to be held in Karachi in April. There’s also the Asian Indoor games in Jun/Jul at Korea and the World Snooker Championship later this year at Riga, Latvia. I finished no.3 in the World championships back in 2006 at Jordan, and my best performance at the Asians has been reaching the quarters, so I would definitely hope to do better this year.

Pankaj Advani and Aditya Mehta are currently training in Sheffield. Do you have any plans to go and train with them?

I played the pro circuit in 2002-03 season and have also been there for coaching and training many times. UK is the hub of Snooker and has the best infrastructure for practising, coaching and tournaments. Therefore, I would definitely like to go there and train for a week to 10 days just before a major event like the World Championship, if I qualify for it.

Q. Were you expecting a call to play for the Davis Cup team?

I was not expecting it really. When I was told that I would be playing in the Davis Cup, I was excited and nervous at the same time, as it was the first time I was going to represent my country. The Davis Cup is the biggest team tournament and it was like a dream come true for me.

Q. What do you have to say about the tussle, which is going on between AITA and other players?

To be honest I don’t know anything about it and therefore it would be inappropriate for me to comment on it.

Q. You’ve often suffered from cramps during matches. Do you think it’s because you lack fitness?

I won’t say that at all. I have played in deadly heat and some really long matches and I have never cramped my legs. It was just all of sudden this once. Even Dr. Paes said that maybe because I was too excited. The area I really lacked in was experience, I guess.

Q. What is your training schedule like?

I train three times every day. Most of the time I’m busy playing tournaments but I keep up with my fitness no matter what. I train at Sirifort in Delhi with my coach Mr. Aditya Sachdeva. Before this I trained in Chandigarh Lawn Tennis Academy for 8 years and it had some of the best Indian players.

Q. Do you have enough sponsors?

No I don’t. I have to manage my own expenses, which to say frankly is a tough thing. I think Indian players find it hard to get a sponsorship deal. It’s probably why we are still way behind on the international circuit. Talent wise I think we have a lot of potential.

Q. Are you planning to join the parallel league which is starting? Do you think you’ll be in the Davis Cup team for the rest of the matches?

As of now, no plans. I am minding my own business and doing what I do best, that is playing tennis. As for the Davis Cup team, if I get a call I would be really happy to play for my country again.

Shanthakumaran Sreesanth has been out of action for more than a year now and is all geared up to make his performance count for the Rest Of India in the Irani trophy. He is currently bowling fantastically and his swing, pace and bounce seems to be perfect. He admits that he is now playing cricket for himself rather than for his family, fans or country.

How is the comeback coming along?

It’s been a long time (since he played for India) and I am happy to return with (a selection in) the very prestigious Irani trophy. I am bowling in a good rhythm and I am happy about it. I am thankful to God for everything.

You were bowling a lot of short balls to Sachin Tendulkar today. Was it some kind of strategy?

Well, yes, you got it right. The plan was to keep him on the back foot but then, how can one overlook the fact that he is a legend. He played on the front foot throughout (the innings) so the least I could do was trying to restrict him. In fact on the first day, it was my birthday and I had thought of getting him out but we chose batting, so it din’t really work out well. (laughs)

Can you see some change after coming back from the injury?

Yes, I am absolutely fit and fine, more than (I was) before. I have worked a lot on my fitness and even last night I was training at the gym as I have a certain schedule to follow with my trainer. I want to make the most of every opportunity and I know exactly what I am doing. I have realised how important it is to be on the field and give your 100 percent.

Are you hoping for a comeback in the Indian team for the Australian series?

Well, I am currently focussing on the present tournament and not (thinking) very far. If given a chance, I would love to bowl against the Aussies but then again, we all know selections are not in our hands and if selectors find me appropriate, I will be more than happy. Anyways, I am enjoying every moment of playing cricket as of now.

What about your batting?

I am okay with the bat. I will try scoring some runs but as far as I know, I think my highest score has been 35, so I will try to go beyond that.

Do you think Rest Of India will be able to pull off an outright win against Mumbai?

We have the first innings lead with us and few batsman who did not do well in the first innings are rearing to score in the second innings, so let’s see. We are positive (for the win) though.

Do you still practise your dancing skills?

Yes of course! I love dancing but of course, not at the expense of my cricket. Whenever I have free time, I dance to relax myself.

Abhishek Nayar is currently hot property in the Indian domestic cricket scene because of his splendid performance both with the bat and ball in the Ranji season.He played a major role in guiding Mumbai to its 40th Ranji title. This year in the IPL, he will be playing for the Sahara Pune Warriors. Sportskeeda had a chat with the promising cricketer about the Ranji season and the IPL:

Are you ready to lead the current Ranji champions Mumbai in the Irani Trophy?

This is going to be the first time when I will be leading the Mumbai senior team, and its going to be a big challenge for me. I am lucky to have people like Sachin, Ajinkya and Rohit who will be there for me to assist me with everything. I am going to enjoy this role, and we all will hope to play some good cricket.

You have had a very successful Ranji season, both with the bat and ball. Are you satisfied?

I have worked very hard with a certain goal in mind, and I am happy I was able to do well with both the bat and the ball. There are still a lot of matches to go, and I have to keep working hard.

What areas have you worked on to improve on your bowling?

I have been working on a few technical aspects. I have worked on my run-up a lot. I am trying to bowl like I used to in my U-19s, as I was really good back then too. I think I am almost there, and everyone in the team is quite happy with the way I have been bowling too, and I am happy with that. I am concentrating a lot on my fitness too.

The Mumbai team will be playing without two main pacers, Ajit Agarkar and Zaheer Khan. How much of a disadvantage is that?

We have a young bowling attack, and all four of them are playing their first season. It’s a tough task ahead, as ROI has a strong batting lineup including the likes of Sehwag and Raina, but I am sure our bowlers will be giving their best on the field.

How strong do you think Mumbai is as a team against the Rest Of India?

We have a little setback when it comes to the bowling department, as our main bowlers are not players and the current ones are inexperienced. Dhawal however stands out, as he is bowling very well and also batting well. We have a very good batting lineup, now that Ajinkya and Rohit are back from their international duties. We will look forward to beating Rest of India this time.

You must be elated with the fact that you were the highest sold Indian in the IPL auction…

Yes, it came as a pleasant surprise, and I am looking forward to playing for the Pune Warriors in the IPL.

Are you expecting a call to play for the Indian team soon?

Well, I am hopeful. I have always been hopeful, optimistic and positive about what I do. I am never going to give up on the Indian cap. I have been there, I feel I could have done a lot more with the opportunity that I got, but I think there is always a next time and hopefully this time around with the hard work that I have put in, things can go my way.

Having been the first Indian TT player to have won a round at the Olympics, this young paddler with great potential, plans to break into top 30 soon.

1. What is it like to be the youngest Senior National Champion?

I am so happy that I won the Senior National Championship 2013. I’m thankful to the Table Tennis Federation of India, my coaches (Peter Karlsson, Bhawani Mukherji, Mantu Ghosh, Subrata Roy) and my parents.

2. What was going on in your mind before going the finals?

I was seeded No.1 in the tournament but I was thinking that I shouldn’t make too much of it because if I did I wouldn’t have been able to handle the pressure and then I wouldn’t have given my 100 percent. So I was trying to fool myself and told myself that I’m an underdog here.

3. How difficult was Sharath as an opponent?

Sharath is one of the greatest players in India, so it’s always tough to beat him. He’s quite strong mentally too. I got a lot of confidence after beating him in the final.

4. You participated in the Olympics and also won a match there. What experience did you gain from there and how are you using it?

I think the Olympics was a much more intense and pressure-filled tournament than this tournament. I keep trying to take the confidence from the Olympics forward and tell myself: if I can win 1st round in Olympics than I can win here in India.

5. What is your training program like?

I have been training in Sweden (Falkenberg Club) under Peter Karlsson (World Champion) since 2009. But this year I’ve started to play in the professional league in Sweden. That gives me great confidence and encourages me to work even more on my fitness.

6. What keeps you motivated?

My coach Peter Karlsson always says I have potential to be in top 30 in the world. My goal is to be in top 30 in the world.

7. What immediate aims do you have in mind?

My next most important tournament is the Commonwealth Championship, which will be held at New Delhi from 5th May 2013. I want to go out and try to win gold.

8. Your strong performances must have helped you get a lot of sponsors.

My equipment sponsor is TIBHAR and I have been supported by GO SPORTS Foundation. I am currently working in BPCL and I need more financial support to play more international tournaments and attend various training camps around the world.

9. What do you think can be done to popularize TT more in our country?

Honestly, we have been getting very good support from our federation and we are expecting the same in the future. Personally, I feel we have to perform more in the international tournaments to popularize our game, especially tournaments like the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the Olympics.