There is nothing official about it yet but G. Jwala and Badminton Association of India (BAI) are firmly on a reconciliatory course.
To end the five-month feud, the BAI members will meet to discuss the matter one last time on January 25 in Lucknow. Once the house clears Jwala, the player will be expected to withdraw the case from the Delhi High Court on or before the hearing on March 3.
Jwala, currently in Seoul as an official member of the Indian team for the Korea Open, regained the doubles title with Ashwini Ponappa in the National championship here last month.
With Jwala and Ashwini set to defend their Commonwealth title this year besides taking their rightful place in the national squad for Uber Cup and Asian Games, the BAI saw sense in closing the matter at the earliest.
Nothing personalThe BAI President Akhilesh Das Gupta, who met Jwala and Petroleum Sports Promotion Board Member Secretary V.K. Mahendru here on December 23, told The Hindu on Sunday, “There was nothing personal in this dispute.
“The BAI is a family and players are treated as children of the family.
“We are satisfied that Jwala understands the intention of the BAI and respects its rules and regulations. The BAI has great respect for Jwala’s achievements and wants her to bring more laurels to the country.
“Let bygones be bygones. With some very important tournaments due this year, the BAI wants Jwala to concentrate fully on her game. The BAI is an institution which has to ensure the betterment of the game without compromising on discipline,” said Mr. Das Gupta.
RelievedJwala was understandably relieved to note the BAI’s stand. “I am happy to back in the National squad.
“I maintain my principled stand and I am so glad the matter is being resolved.”
Obviously pleasedMr. Mahendru, the man instrumental in bringing about truce between BAI and Jwala, was obviously pleased. “I am very happy that both sides have seen reason and now Jwala can concentrate on what she does best.”
It may be recalled that the BAI Disciplinary Committee had recommended a life-ban on Jwala for her alleged role in delaying an Indian Badminton League match in Bangalore.
Subsequently dropped from the National team, Jwala moved Delhi High Court which ordered BAI not to prevent her participation in overseas events.
The BAI then formed a three-member committee to hear Jwala but the panel, under Anandeshwar Pandey is yet to meet.
“I could do nothing since the matter was sub-judice,” said Mr. Pandey. “If the BAI and Jwala can resolve the matter, I will be very happy,” he added.
