An Interview with Arun Vishnu: "IBL will be good exposure for us"

Arun Vishnu is one of the finest Indian doubles player in Badminton. This tall, lanky guy from Kerala is known for his powerful strokes in the circuit. He has made his mark both in Mixed Doubles and Men Doubles category. He wants to take doubles to the next level. Following are the excerpts from the interview:

Q. Do you think doubles and mixed doubles deserve more support and attention?

Ans: Yes. For India to do well in Thomas Cup and Sudirman Cup it is important that more support and attention is given to doubles and mixed doubles. For a long time the focus of attention was on singles and it cannot be changed overnight. In the past BAI used to send only one pair each in doubles and mixed doubles category for tournaments abroad but things have changed. Now BAI sends 2-3 pairs in each category. This positive attitude of BAI is encouraging.

Q. In Men’s doubles what targets have you and Tarun set for this year?

Ans: We are targeting to break into the Top 25 in World Ranking by the end of this year.

Q. How is Aparna as a senior partner?

Ans: Having Aparna as my mixed doubles partner is really a blessing to me. Her experience and exposure in the field is a guiding factor during the crucial moments. Also, she is very supportive both on and off the court.

Q. What’s your training schedule like?

Ans: Our training schedule, designed by Chief National Coach Mr. Pullela Gopichand, is of an international standard. It is a combination of physical fitness, on-court sessions and practice matches which involves guidance and support of foreign coaches. Periodical sessions are arranged for mental fitness as well. Gym training and swimming also goes side by side.

Q. What needs to be done in order to improve the standards of the doubles category in India?

Ans: In my opinion, a pool of young talents who are good in doubles should be identified at sub-junior level itself. They should be trained only for doubles by a specialist doubles coach round the year. Providing foreign exposure from sub junior level itself will make them better performers at international tournaments later.

Q. If you were to pick out one best quality of both your partners, what will it be? What are your strengths in the game?

Ans: Both my partners are very good at the net. I play the role of finisher from back court which is my strength.

Q. What are your thoughts about the upcoming IBL? Do you think it will be a success?Ans: IBL will be a good exposure and learning experience for us. I expect that it will provide better opportunities for Indian players. I am sure that IBL is going to be a great success.

Q. Which upcoming tournaments are you going to participate in?

Ans: I am going to participate in World Championship to be held in China from 5th to 11th August 2013 in both Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles categories. It will be followed by Indian Badminton League.

Q. You have partnered with Akshay Dewalker earlier. What was the reason for breaking up the partnership?

Ans: It was purely professional. The suggestion for the same came from the foreign coach Mr. Edwin. He felt that Tarun and me made a better combination and we went on to win the Senior National Championship.

Q. Why is there such a huge gap between India and China/Indonesia?

Ans: I don‘t think that there is a huge gap between India and China/Indonesia. Our players have beaten the Chinese and Indonesian players before. In the coming years I am sure that India will perform better than Chinese and Indonesian Teams.