Diju excited to earn Olympic berth

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For 30-year-old V. Diju from Kozhikode, the London Olympics berth in badminton mixed doubles was a reward for the time and labour he spent on the courts from childhood.

The news came as a Saturday delight for Diju, who is now at his hometown.

He is ranked 15 in world ranking and the first 16 holders will qualify to play in the Wembley Arena from July 28 onwards.

“It was one of the greatest moments in my life. Like any other sportsperson, it is my ambition to take part in the Olympics and everything came right this time,” says V. Diju from his home at Ramanattukara.

The player who is paired with ace woman badminton player Jwala Gutta had a memorable season this year.

“For about six months, I was out from the game due to an injury. Earlier, we both were ranked at six in the world.

After my injury, we missed a lot of tournaments and our rank dropped to 85. Now, this is a comeback for both of us,” says Diju, who is employed with ONGC Chennai.

“Last month, we participated in 15 tournaments including one in India. In most of them we reached quarterfinals and semifinals.

These victories have earned us a good position in world ranking and the berth to Olympics,” he said.

They will be the first Indian pair playing in the Olympics mixed doubles event from India.

Besides, Diju will be the second Keralite after Vimal Kumar who participated in the Barcelona Olympics 1992 to represent the country in badminton.

“I called up Jwala hearing the news and she is also happy. We have been playing for the last six years and have built a good rapport between us.

However, from now onwards we have to work harder. We have figured out our weakness and have to overcome it.

Within two weeks, we will resume our training at Hyderabad. An Olympic medal is my dream,” he said. They are also the first Indian mixed pair to reach the quarterfinals of the World Badminton quarterfinals.