Sports bodies should spare players from their petty politics: Jwala

(All pics The Hitavada)

COMMONWEALTH Games gold winning pair of Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa is ranked among the hardest hitters on badminton courts. Off the court too, the ace shuttler showed the glimpse of her smashes when she advised sports associations to stop involving players in their petty politics.
“Instead of involving players in silly politics, sports associations should work for their welfare so that they would bring more laurels to the country,” Jwala said during the Meet the Press organised by Sports Journalists’ Association of Nagpur (SJAN) on Saturday.
The Wardha born left-handed shuttler was in the city to attend the annual awards ceremony organised by SJAN in association with Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC).
Jwala, who is to receive the prestigious Arjuna Award on August 29, said, “I have suffered a lot due to the politics in association. Therefore I request the associations not to involve the players in politics. Associations are for the welfare of sportspersons and not the other way round.”
Jwala and Ashwini created history a few days ago by winning bronze medal in the World Championships in London. They became the first Indian women’s pair to clinch a medal at the Worlds. But she lamented that lack of credit and recognition after the huge feat.
“Unfortunately we did not get the recognition that we deserved. This would also have a negative effect on the youngsters who want to take up this sport as a profession,” Jwala said.
Speaking about the future, Jwala said there was no dearth of talent in India but to produce more Sainas and Jwalas, the system needed drastic changes.
Despite being under the huge shadow of cricket in India Jwala praised the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their efforts in taking the game to this level.
“We can’t deny the fact that cricket is a religion in India. And it is popular only because of the efforts taken by BCCI. I think other sporting association should learn something from BCCI,” she stated.
Talking about her dream of playing in the London Olympics 2012 Jwala said Olympics was her ultimate aim but at present she was concentrating on China and Japan Super Series.
“The World Championship is a preparation for the Olympics. Before the Olympics we are going to play all the major tournaments. I am concentrating on the Super Series lined up next month”.
Praising her doubles partner Ashwini Ponappa, Jwala said, “Ashwini and I are good friends. It is necessary to have a partner who is a good friend even off the court. Ashwini and me spend lot of time together and have similar liking and have a special bond between us”.
Jwala felt that the recent success she achieved in doubles event has changed people’s approach towards doubles event.
“The recent success has created lot of interest amongst people towards doubles event. In fact, public want to see doubles matches more as it has lot of thrills and excitement. I would advise upcoming players to take the doubles event seriously since it is tough as compared to the singles event,” the 13-time national champion said.
(Report Courtesy The Hitavada)