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In an Indian sports firmament devoid of colourful characters for the most part, Jwala Gutta has stood out. Whether in her tempestuous statements against the establishment, or for her sense of fashion, Jwala has done most things against the norm.
So have her performances been for India. Until Jwala came along, doubles was relegated to an afterthought – a sinecure for over-the-hill singles players. She was fortunate too to have astute partners in V Diju and Ashwini Ponnappa; the threesome put Indian doubles in the limelight with some great performances over the last three years. The results they have got over the years have finally begun to tell in the extent of media coverage over what Jwala has to say. The tall left-hander is second only to Saina in the kind of attention an Indian badminton player can command.
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Back to the venue where she won a famous Commonwealth Games gold, Jwala said it was a pleasant feeling. “I can see a lot of familiar faces and the crowd will want us to win,” Jwala said. “I hope we’re lucky. In this points system you need to be lucky.”
If she does qualify for the Olympics, it will signal a first for Indian doubles badminton. Despite her quirks, Jwala has been a pioneer, and she is probably aware of it too. “I’ve always believed I can do something new,” she said. “I’m happy to be able to do well in doubles badminton. The Chinese know who Jwala is; they know who Jwala-Diju and Jwala-Ashwini are. Not many are fortunate in this way. I’m privileged. I hope I don’t disappoint anyone.”
The attention now on the doubles game in India will be Jwala’s biggest contribution to Indian badminton. A World Championships bronze and a Commonwealth gold are among several other achievements, and Jwala is conscious of the role she has played. “The attention used to be on singles only. When Saina does well, everyone hopes Jwala also will do well. It’s a good start for the game in this country. I hope badminton will become a bigger game than what it is right now.”
