‘Performance will take care of Rio appearance’
In the Olympic year, qualification is the topic of conversation. Shuttlers have time till May 1 to garner points to qualify for the Rio Games in August.
There are 16 spots up for grabs in doubles events and each continent is assured of at least one. A country is allowed only two teams so, if they have more in the topeight in an event (eg: China has three currently in women’s doubles), it makes it easier for Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa. If the Indians maintain their current rank of 15 or move up, there is a strong possibility of going to Rio.
Jwala refuses to let the pressure of qualification get to her. “I’m not thinking about rankings. It’s better to focus on performance. Ranking is important but performance will automatically enhance ranking,” explained the doubles specialist on Monday. In the age of social media, it’s difficult to stay away from the topic .“Earlier, if someone asked me my ranking, I would have to check but today social media updates me every week. We don’t talk about it (Rio and rankings). I keep telling Ashwini that we need to be calm and focus but everyone around is talking about it,” laughed the 32-year-old. Jwala and Ashwini currently have 46031 points from 21 tournaments with a win/loss record of 91-95. They made the semis of the Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold but failed to impress in other events. Before deadline, every tournament matters. In the city for the sixth edition of the YonexSunrise India Open, the duo takes on Korea’s Go Ah Ra and Yoo Hae Won in the first round at Siri Fort.
After this Super Series tournament, they travel to Malaysia, Singapore and China for the remaining events. With early losses in the same events last year, a good run this week or the others will get them to Rio .“The top 15-20 are on an equal footing. The team which can overcome pressure on the day will win. We need to pull up our socks,” felt Jwala.
Fitter and leaner, she is ready for mixed doubles again. “I made the decision in New Zealand because I missed it. I will start after the Thomas and Uber Cup,” she said, giving out a secret.
With Rio round the corner, the focus is on upcoming tournaments. “I think our ranking is safe, we need to focus on the coming matches,” she added. After playing in London, she got herself an Olympic tattoo with the year 2012 etched beneath it. The left-hander would like to add 2016 to it. After all, it’s a matter of pride to play in the Olympics. Two-time world champion and top seed Carolina Marin and Japan’s N oz om iO ku ha ra, the seventh seed, withdrew on Monday. It will be an opportunity for PV Sindhu, who was slated to meet the Spaniard in the first round. P Kashyap’s injury sidelined him and B Sai Praneeth took his main-draw spot in men’s singles.