Press Trust of India
Hyderabad, August 6: Top women’s doubles pair Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa welcomed Thursday the appointment of reputed doubles coach Kim Tan Her. However, both said that the Malaysian should be the sole decision maker and there should not be any interference from anybody.
“It’s (appointment of doubles coach) a good thing for Indian badminton. But, then he should be the sole decision-maker. Nobody else should interfere with his decisions for doubles. If that happens, that will be good for doubles in the country,” Jwala stated.
Ponnappa also gave thumbs up to the decision of BAI to rope in the experienced Kim. I think it’s a huge boost for us as doubles players. It’s going to be really helpful. We are looking forward to it,” Ashwini said.
Jwala and Ashwini became the first Indian doubles duo to win a medal in the World Championships when they won bronze in 2011. This year, they have been seeded seventh and are very happy about it.
“I think we are the first (Indian) women doubles pair ever to be seeded (in World Cchampionships), so I am really excited on entering the tournament on a high,” Jwala said.
Talking about her training she said: “It’s been good. I went to Bangalore to train with Ashwini for a few days. We have had a couple of good sessions. Ashwini and me, we are feeling at the top of our game.”