The former Test cricket captain and MP, Mohammed Azharuddin, is into badminton these days. And the reason could be a blossoming friendship with Jwala Gutta, the 26-year-old World No. 7 mixed doubles player.
Azhar was spotted at the Asian Badminton Championship in Delhi and also tried to contest for the post of president of the Badminton Association of India.
Sources say that the 47-year-old MP is also seen at Jwala’s practice sessions. Incidentally, Jwala’s maternal home in Jubilee Hills is near the MP’s house.
Mixed doubles stars are not the best paid among sportspersons but Jwala is seen moving around in a luxury car in Hyderabad these days.
However, her friends denied that it was a gift and said she bought it on her own.
Azhar is married to former actor Sangeeta Bijlani. His first marriage was with Naureen, and they have two sons, Asaduddin and Abbasuddin.
Sources said Jwala also turns up at cricket matches of Asaduddin, who plays for MP Colts in the ‘A’ Division three-day league in Hyderabad.
Sources close to Jwala’s family also said that all is not well on the home front for the champ.
Her husband Chetan Anand, an international shuttler ranked World No. 16, has been practising separately.
However, when asked about the reports, Chetan told this correspondent, “There are ups and downs in a relationship. As of now, we are together.”