For me, Ashwini Ponnappa is champion of the CWG: Gopichand

National Chief Coach Pullela Gopichand vouchsafed the Women’s Doubles Ace Ashwini Ponnappa for her commendable play at the recently-concluded 2018 Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast.

Gopi praised Ashwini’s contribution to India’s CWG gold in the mixed-team event. He said, “Playing four matches per day and the way she played throughout the 10-day campaign was exceptional. For me she is the champion of the tournament. Hats off to Ashwini, who remained the key to winning gold in the mixed-team finals against Malaysia by winning the first match of the fight,” as quoted by TOI.

“Winning gold was not something we dreamt of. For me winning team gold is the greatest achievement in the Indian badminton. So far, only Malaysia and England have won gold in the history of CWG badminton. Satwik, Sikki, and Chirag have also been quite good,” he added.  

Saina, too, exalted about doubles teams. “Their pick-up of every shuttler wondered me. The way they played is quite impressive,” she said adding that winning team gold was more satisfactory for her. “For me, it was not the individual gold that mattered much, but the team championship," she added.

PV Sindhu expressed her happiness for being part of the team and winning gold, though she didn’t play. “I enjoyed being part of the team even though I didn’t play. But, disappointed as I had to settle with silver in the singles event. Last time I won bronze, now silver. Hopefully gold next time,” she said.

World No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth said, “Becoming no. 1 just couple of days after winning team gold is a huge moment for me. I will cherish that moment for lifelong. If reaching the numero uno spot is one side of the coin, maintaining the spot is another side and a big challenge for me, which needs hard work and consistency.”  

Kashyap boosted me prior to singles finals: Saina

Saina Nehwal conceded that Parupalli Kashyap had supported in every step of reaching the podium with gold. “I have talked to Kashyap, just prior to the match against Sindhu. I was very tired after playing three games against Kirsty Gilmour in the semi-finals match. He motivated me and said that I should look at better options, to fight it out and get the job done. Support from friends mean a lot,” said Saina.