There is no encouragement for Doubles in India: Jwala Gutta

Jwala Gutta, the name is slowly been fading away from the media and badminton as a player since she is not a singles player these days, unfortunately. The 33 year from Hyderabad who played badminton doubles for India for over 18 years says that there is no encouragement for doubles in India. As the matter of fact, along with Saina Nehwal and P. V. Sindhu, it was Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa who created storm in the Indian badminton.

Over the past decade, as the gaming style had been evolved by the new talents, they started developing mind games. This led Indian badminton to focus more on singles and ignoring doubles. It seems that we haven’t find any player, yet, who could fit in her shoes for doubles.

Since the Rio Olympics in 2016, Jwala had played only one tournament - The Malaysia Masters in January - where she crashed out from the mixed doubles pre-quarterfinals. However, speculation has been rife that the 2011 World Championship women’s doubles bronze medallist is likely to retire from the game.

“I have been playing since 1999 and have been the top doubles player in India for 18 years. Right now at this stage and juncture I am not motivated enough to play. I don’t plan to play any tournament as of now,” said Jwala speaking to Hindustan Times.

“Nobody realises that I have played a lot. People ask what next; the Olympics? They expect, I like that but they should also be realistic and understand that I have played for the country for the past 18 years,” she added.

At present, Jwala is determined on her Global Badminton Academy, which she has recently launched, and could take up an administrative role in the Badminton Association of India (BAI). On asking about the confirmation about her retirement, she said, “I am contemplating on what to do first before announcing anything.”

“My academy has already started but I also want to work with the association. I am a person who likes to take up responsibilities. Hopefully, I can bring in a lot of change”. On the launch day of her badminton academy she said that she would play unbiased about training on singles and doubles.

She said, “I do not see anyone. I do not have answer. I set a benchmark of being World No.6, winning World Championship and CWG medals. But there has been nothing after that. We don’t promote doubles game enough”.