Your thoughts on being voted ‘DNA Sportsperson of the Year’?
It feels great. It’s good that a badminton player is getting recognition.
The Indonesian Open title was a landmark event in your career, wasn’t it?
Things have completely changed now. I received quite a number of awards after that. When I received one award, there were several international cricketers in the audience, and it felt good that I was the one being honoured. I’m sure the title inspired a lot of juniors and gave them confidence to do well at the international level. I was amazed by the turnout at the Syed Modi GP (in Lucknow) recently. The hall was packed.
Apart from the Indonesian Open title, are you happy with the way the rest of the year went? You didn’t make the semis of any other Super Series, except the year-ending Masters.
Well, I reached a few quarterfinals. I had chickenpox just before the World Championships, and then an attack of viral fever before the Danish and French Opens. So I was not fully fit during those tournaments. Whenever I lost, it was only because I was not 100% fit.
I didn’t take sufficient rest before the World Championships. The recommended rest is 20 days, but I was on court after a week. I wasn’t fresh mentally. Before the Danish Open I had viral fever… I didn’t want to play. I was weary. My doctor said I’d strained myself too much. I finally took a break after the Masters. I haven’t yet decided whether I’ll play the Nationals.
You had a few losses to the Chinese this year. You lost to Wang Lin thrice after
beating her at the Indonesian Open.
I’m not worried about Wang Lin — she’s not a problem. If I’m fit, I can beat her. Some of the other Chinese are more difficult — like Wang Yihan and Jiang Yanjiao. But whenever I have lost, it is in three sets. Anyway, the Chinese do not field all their players at all tournaments.
How are you pacing yourself in 2010?
There are a number of important tournaments in India, such as the India Open, the Asian Championships and the Commonwealth Games. I will be focusing on these events, and the World Championships. I will skip the Korea Open Super Series. In fact, I will not be playing too many Super Series events this year, even though my ranking might slide down. I’m not too bothered even if I go down to No.20. I’m just focusing on the big events.
Your resolutions for 2010?
To keep on working hard. To achieve some big results. Off court, to be more respectful to elders.
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