World championship bronze medallist G. Jwala took issue with what she perceived as indifference towards women’s doubles, saying she doesn’t see any hope of corrective measures even during a crucial period.
“We don’t mind singles players being given importance by way of grants to a private Badminton Academy in the city. But, what is baffling is that women’s doubles continues to be ignored by the bigwigs when plans for the 2016 Rio Olympics are being chalked out,” said Jwala on Wednesday.
“I can confidently tell you that because of the double standards, Ashwini (Ponnappa) and I might well be the last performing pair from India. Others will be discouraged if they look at the way we have been treated,” she said.
“Every leading badminton nation in the world has separate coaches for various categories, including mixed and women’s doubles. But, in India, no one seems to bother about this,” said Jwala.
“When a women’s bronze medal won by me and Ashwini in the 2011 world championship didn’t see the desired change in attitude, what can we expect now, even after the recent victory in Canada? Perhaps, we are left to fight on our own — on and off the court,” said Jwala.
“Despite all this, we have achieved our career-best world ranking of No. 13. This is, by no means, an ordinary achievement,” she said.
Asked about her preparations for the Olympics against this backdrop, Jwala said she would continue to do what she is supposed to do.
“I am fearless. That is the reason many people like me, but that doesn’t mean I have to take things lying down,” Jwala said.
