Firebrand shuttler and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jwala Gutta tells DNA that she has not got any help from Badminton Federation of India. And she is also cool about being the glamour girl of badminton.
CWG Gold in doubles. What does it mean to you?
This gold means a lot to me. After all what I have gone through in the recent past in my personal life, it is a big, big achievement. It is like what 101 medals in CWG means for India, this one gold means to me.
Do you think that you had a point to prove as people expected you to win mixed doubles more than the women’s doubles event?
I have always maintained I was expected to win both. I didn’t, but I am not disappointed. I played well throughout the tournament. I am quite happy with my performance. Isn’t a gold good enough?
What are Ashwini’s qualities that make you both a winning combination?
Both of us are totally fearless. We don’t care about our opposition. They could be world no.1 or unseeded, we always give 100%. Our thinking too is quite similar… on game strategies, playing attitude or even beyond the sport. We go out shopping together, we like similar kind of clothes. And all this really helps. We are very good friends and we hang out a lot together.
Both of you are pretty aggressive players, in fact Ashwini has the record of fastest smash in the world, can it be counter-productive at times?
No. I think it really helps me and us as a team too. The fact that I am very good at the net makes a perfect foil when Ashwini smashes. The kind of smashes that she hits, most of the times the return would come pretty easy and I can always go for the kill from there.
Is it true that doubles pairs don’t get right attention in the country?
It is true. For the kind of potential Diju and I have, we have not got enough. We are world No.6 and till date we don’t have any sponsorship. We don’t get the right kind of support from the association too.
You have been pretty vocal about the way country’s badminton association has functioned. Any particular reason?
This isn’t a sudden outburst. Whatever I am saying is all fact based. The least the president could do is just congratulate athletes from his own association. We are not asking for any incentives. Any Indian who feels proud of their sportsperson’s achievement and was at the event, would have wanted to congratulate us. But he didn’t.
Did he congratulate you after your outburst?
I still haven’t got any response. I don’t know why he did that. I have never had any issue with him as such. I don’t know really why he’s done it.
Have you ever faced bias or criticism for your firebrand personality?
Well, a lot of times, rather most of the times. People don’t like personalities like me who are outspoken and don’t fear speaking out the truth. But if they don’t like me, I can’t change myself. I am like this and should have no fears until I am speaking the truth.
You spoke about wanting some changes in badminton. What exactly you wish to be changed?
There is a lot of discrimination amongst players. It should be completely avoided. I would never do that. Players and the association should go hand in hand. The sport should grow and not just the association. This has been the case for sometime now and it is quite evident. Some players get more attention and promotion too. Diju and my performance in the recent past is also an achievement. Tell me about the last mixed doubles pair being so consistent? With our performances, we are rewriting Indian badminton history.
So it is right to say that the federation has shown indifferent attitude towards a few players?
Yes! It has always been there. That’s what happens in most of the sports in our country. Instead of thinking about the welfare of the players, they only come to console at the last moment.
Is your being vocal going against you?
I have always been vocal. This is not the first time I have said something and it’s not that it’s untrue.
It means BFI has not helped you…
I am grateful to Government of India. The way our athletes have performed in this event, the Government would have surely been impressed. But as far as my growth goes, BFI hasn’t done anything. All the funds for the camps and tournaments I have got is from the Government. Whatever I am today is because of my hardwork. I am a self-made player. Atiq Johari, our fitness coach from Indonesia, too was hired by Indian government. I don’t know what BFI has done. The way Atiq has groomed us has shown results. He has really worked hard on us.
You are also being called as the glamour girl of badminton. And even with your partner Ashwini, you both make a glamourous pair…
(Laughs) Was there anyone else before me? It feels nice. Ashwini and I are on the top of the world to know that. In a positive way if it helps us, why not.
A lot has been spoken about your personal life in recent past, would you say that this performance will silence all the negative talk?
Of course, this is the best answer to my critics. It is time for them to shut up. I have been doing pretty well for sometime. In personal life too, I am enjoying my moments. My family is very happy with what I am today. I am very strong and my personal life is my life and I don’t want to discuss with anyone.
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