Quite a racquet!

When did you decide it would be a career in sports for you?
I did not really have to put in a lot of thought to it because I started off playing the under-10s and under-13s and as I got better, my focus switched entirely to sports. So basically, I didn’t have to think about it much. As I started doing better, I knew what I had to do.

Did your parents not worry about badminton being not remotely as popular as, say, cricket and hence might not be a very rewarding career option?
Not at all! In fact, there wasn’t any point in time when we had to have a discussion about it or when they tried dissuading me. They have been very encouraging. They were only insistent about the fact that I complete my studies and clear my papers. Apart from that, there wasn’t any problem of  convincing my parents.

Do you remember any time when you considered a switch in career?
I haven’t yet come across a phase like that. I love the sport. Playing badminton or in other words doing what you love is a privilege. Most people in this world would like to pursue what they like to do and still don’t end up doing that. They don’t get to follow their dreams. For me, it’s an absolute dream to be doing this. I have always been encouraged to focus on what I love doing.

You won the gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. That must have been a dream come true...
Most definitely. I was quite excited. Initially I didn’t even realise that it would be so huge. It actually sunk in the next day when I started getting all those calls to congratulate me. The news channels were talking about it and called me. I was very happy that I won for my nation and made India proud.

What is the best thing about the synergy between you and Jwala Gutta?
It is our perfect understanding. We're not only partners in the court but also friends off the court. This keeps our synergy going in the game and that is very important. Also, Jwala is the one who talks more than I do, so it maintains quite a good balance between the two of us…

How is the training for the  Olympics different from training for other championships?
Right now, for Olympics, we have more time to think and practice. In other championships, we hardly have any time because we get done with one tournament and then we’re in for another. This time, in a big way, I’m trying to focus on the game and work very hard because we have a lot of time. And yes, the training is different because there are more specific areas we need to work on for the Olympics.

How crucial a role do you think luck plays in a sportsperson’s career?
It’s not really important but at crucial points one does wish for luck to favour. Like sometimes, in crucial points in the match, there are shots which could go either here or there.. those that lead to winning points or losing ones. At those moments, luck may play a role.

You have played with many international players. Did you notice any difference in their approach, training and mindset towards the sport?
Every country has a different outlook towards the sport. Like in China, their training is different. I feel the players are too sure of what exactly they have to be trained on and how exactly they have to be trained. Also, we in India, have the freedom to speak and contribute. My perception is that the Chinese don’t have much of a choice. They have to follow what the coach says. Again, I’m not too sure if this really happens. We don’t get to interact with the other players a lot but this is what our perception is.

India has recently begun to win medals in a big way. According to you, what has changed in the last few years?
I think the Commonwealth Games being held in India was a huge benefit. The government taking keen interest on sports is quite an encouragement. All of us were sent out to train and play, which helped; we were sent for a lot of tournaments. In badminton, one can’t expect great results with only three or four tournaments a year. We have to be playing constantly to perform well. This continuous process and the training really helped us improve our game.

Who do you think would be the toughest competitor in this Olympics?
Everyone will be tough because they’re all preparing well. But if I have to mention someone, then the Chinese will be a tad tougher than the others.

What can be done to tap more young talent in India?
If sports is encouraged and more incentives are given, it would help. The reason why kids don’t take up sports as a profession is because it is not a secure career option. You never know how you might end up. We still don’t get the recognition that we deserve. So it’s important that the right incentives are given for the assurance and confidence that this can be a fruitful career path.