Jwala Gutta will take a break, close to retirement
most decorated doubles badminton player Jwala Gutta will take a sabbatical from the game yet again. The 33-yearold has only played one tournament since the 2016 Rio Olympics – 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,” Jwala told HT.
“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.”
Queried if she will announce her retirement soon, the Hyderabadi quipped, “I am contemplating on what to do first before announcing anything.”
Jwala had also taken a sabbatical after the 2012 London Games.
The 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist is currently focused on her academy
JWALA GUTTA IS CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON HER ACADEMY AND COULD TAKE UP AN ADMINISTRATIVE ROLE
and could take up an administrative role in the Badminton Association of India (BAI).
“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,” added Jwala, refusing to divulge details about the same.
Being the flag-bearer for the country when it comes to doubles, Jwala does not see anybody who can fill in her shoes in the time to come.
“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,” concluded Jwala.