Date:23/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/23/stories/2008122360350600.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Jwala ready for the challenges ahead

V. V. Subrahmanyam

Former national badminton player Subroto Banerjee gives expert tips to her

— Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

Sharing knowledge: Jwala with former national badminton player Subroto Banerjee.

HYDERABAD: Gutta Jwala floored former national badminton player Subroto Banerjee not just by her skills but her charming presence too at the concluding events of the All India Reserve Bank of India sports meet at Fateh Maidan Indoor Stadium here on Saturday. For, it was Banerjee, a contemporary of the legendary Prakash Padukone who first spotted the spark in Jwala when she was just 10 and advised her father, Kranti, to ensure that the young girl takes up badminton.

“I was fascinated at the way she was playing.

The moment I saw her, I suggested to Kranti to see that the girl takes up badminton with all seriousness. And I am happy that my prediction came true,” remarked Banerjee. “Yes, I still remember uncle (Banerjee) win games by literally walking on the court. Such was the ease he displayed and left me wondering how he could win the games with such an attitude,” recalled Jwala.

Not surprisingly, Banerjee was quick to have a word of advice to Jwala even today also.

“I get a feeling that you are slightly casual in your attitude. To maintain consistency at the highest level you have to be at your competitive best,” he told her.

Though Jwala took pains to explain that it is the general misconception most of the observers have about her, she was equally quick to remind that she is aware of the huge challenges.

“The desire to continue to dominate the sport at the highest level is something very special of her character even now. This should make her stand apart from the rest of the crowd,” he explains. And, Jwala, many-time doubles national champion partnering Sruthi Kurien, says that she is all geared up to prove a point or two next year which begins with the Malaysian Super Series championship.

The Bengal player could not avoid touching the controversial topic of Jwala, Chetan and others being forced to prefer to attend the then on-going national camps to participating in the big international events.

“Honestly, that should not have cropped in the first instance. Every effort should have been made to see that the players’ interests were protected. Hope these things will not be repeated,” he said.