Second String
Hyderabad has always been a hub for Indian badminton, and the quality of the sport in the city has rarely been in better health. Consider the facts — World No.4 Saina Nehwal, women’s national champion P.V. Sindhu, Commonwealth Games women’s doubles champions Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa, National Games women’s doubles champions P. Jyotshna and Sikki Reddy and men’s champion R.M.V. Guru Sai Dutt — are all from the City.
While Saina, Jwala and Ashwini have established themselves as among best in the world, Sindhu is making rapid strides in that direction, bulldozing everything in her path to the pinnacle. Guru, currently ranked 38 in the world, is one of the brighter prospects on the horizon. Ranked 55 in October 2011, Guru jumped 17 places in the matter of just three-and-half-months. A product of the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy at Gachibowli in Hyderabad, Guru is trying his best to follow the footsteps of Gopi, one the sport’s contemporary greats in India.
“Ever since I started playing badminton, Gopi anna has been a constant source of inspiration for me. He has always been, and will continue to be, a big influence on my career,” said Guru, who is currently practising hard for the prestigious All England championships, set to be held at Birmingham from March 6 to 11. For Sikki — one half of the National Games women’s doubles champions — the international exploits of Saina and Jwala constantly spur her to give her best. “It is very inspiring to see Saina and Jwala do so well in international events. Their performances indirectly encourage me to give my best in every event I take part in.”
“I may only be able to perform upto 90 per cent of my potential, but I always give my 100 per cent and I know I will make up for the other 10 per cent with experience,” she added. In recognition of their excellent performances at the national and international levels, the state government recently awarded all the shuttlers cash incentives. Sikki says such encouragement from the government only adds to her confidence. “Thanks to the incentives, my confidence is on an all-time high,” added Sikki,
When the time comes, if they keep up the consistency of their performances, these shuttlers should be ready to take on the world.
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