Nagpur district champion shuttler Dhole hits competition for a six

NAGPUR: Turning the clock by few years, Jayendra Dhole came up with a sterling display to answer his critics in style and made a bold statement that he is not finished yet.
It was all cold outside as incessant rains lashed city on Tuesday. But inside the Robertson YMCA Hall, Dhole warmed up many a heart with his stunning display. He was a man on mission bagging one title after another and leaving spectators in awe with his fighting spirit.
The just-concluded Nagpur District Open Badminton Championship will always be remembered as ‘Dhole Special’ as the 37-year-old bagged half a donzen titles and hit the competition for a six.
The way he raised his level of play against Gaurav Rege in the men’s singles final, just goes to show that age is just a number for him. Before the final, the odds were completely against Dhole. His opponent, Rege — a fast rising shuttler was high on confidence. A day before, he had accounted for top seed and defending champion Sameet Dandawate in the semifinal in straight games. The 19-year-old Rege was expected to dominate his senior opponent, who is almost double his age.
However, what happened in the 40-minute summit clash surprised everyone. Dhole fought like a man possessed and taught the young man a lesson or two. To his credit, Rege, who was playing on his home ground, gave his best but it was just not enough against a charged-up Dhole.
After both the players won a game each, the battle was at its peak in the decider. Initially, Rege was leading by a couple of points but the veteran caught him midway through the third game. It was clash of the highest quality as both the champion and a challenger fought hard for each point, diving and throwing themselves around to garner that precious point.
While they were giving their more than 100% on the court, spectators, which included many former players, were kept on the edge of their seats. Nobody dared to predict the winner till the last point.
At 20-19, Dhole had a match point but down the line rocket smash by Rege made it 20-20. Then Rege had match point at 21-20 but in trying to finish the rally in a hurry, his powerful cross-court smash went just inches out. That was a costly mistake and Rege will repent it for months.
In the end, Dhole used all his experience to pocket the next two points to clinch the match and record eighth title. After a brief celebration, Dhole went to the stands to touch his parents’ feet even as his wife controlled her emotions on her husband’s inspiring performance.
“I badly wanted to win this year. Last time I emerged champion was in 2009. I was determined to regain my crown,” said an ecstatic Dhole.
Minutes later, Dhole was on the court again with his doubles partner Ajay Dayal. Last year, they were beaten in the men’s doubles final but on Tuesday, Dhole was unstoppable. He gelled well with Dayal to brush aside the challenge of young duo — Rege and Anuj Deshmukh.
While it was great for Dhole to rework his magic on the court and create history, but at the same time it was a cause of concern for district association officials as not enough youngsters are coming up to challenge the likes of Dholes and Dayals.