Indian shuttler is cresting wave of his life after triumph at China Open Super Series
Hyderabad shuttlers Jwala Gutta (left) and Kidambi Srikanth pose on the sidelines of a felicitation function in Hyderabad on Wednesday, where Srikanth was honoured for his historic victory in the China Open Superseries. - S. SURENDER REDDY
Hyderabad: A historic Superseries title, a place in the Top 10 of men’s singles rankings, a chance to end the year on a high at the World Superseries Finals in Dubai — Kidambi Srikanth is currently cresting the wave of his life. His unprecedented victory over multiple-time world and Olympic champion Lin Dan in the final of the China Open had catapulted him into the world’s top bracket.
“This has been the best year of my career,” Srikanth said, speaking at a felicitation function, organised by sports equipment manufacturer Li Ning in Hyderabad on Wednesday. “The last two weeks, especially, have been very memorable. I’m really happy.”Srikanth is now gearing up for the World Superseries Finals, to be played in Dubai next month, where the world’s top eight Superseries players will clash with each other. “I’m really looking forward to it (playing at the Finals). This is my first time at the event, so I have nothing to lose. I’ll be playing without any pressure,” Srikanth said.
Chief Indian coach Pullela Gopichand said said India’s double triumph in China is a turning point in the sport in the country. “I am not sure how many people realise the significance of our achievement in China. For any country to hoist its flag twice at the same Superseries tournament is a great achievement and for India to do it, it’s massive. It’s going to be really difficult for us to top it, but we will give it our best shot.”
Gopi said he hopes this win will give birth to a new generation of champions. “This victory will give a huge amount of confidence to younger players who are aiming to become champions. Also, this will be an inspiration to others who are looking to take up the sport,” Gopi added.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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