Jwala braces up for ‘real competition’

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Yet to taste success following her return to action in March, India’s doubles specialist Jwala Gutta feels that the Indian Badminton League, that commences on Wednesday, will act as a “comeback” tournament for her.
“For me, IBL is a kind of comeback to real competition. It’s been long. Before IBL, I didn’t go to tournaments with much expectations. But here, I am expecting a lot from myself. I am much fitter than I was even before the Olympics. I am a little nervous as there will be real competition,” said Jwala, who went on a seven-month long sabbatical after the 2012 London Olympics.
“I have shed around 12 kgs since I started training in April. I am on a strict diet. I cut off carbs as I could not change my training. I had to ensure that I don’t get injured. Now I am fitter, lighter and feeling fresh,” added the Krrish Delhi Smashers icon player.
Bracing up for their inaugural match where she will be leading the Smashers against the Pune Pistons on Wednesday, Jwala is confident of a good show from her team. “We have a lot of potential. Doubles is our strength but sadly there are just two doubles matches. We have a lot of potential. Darren Liew is a good player and I would not underestimate him. Even Sai Praneeth is a team player,” she said.
The 29-year-old, who claimed the 2011 World Championships bronze with Ashwini Ponnappa, was also excited about the new format in the IBL and believes that it will throw up some interesting results.