A beaming P. Kashyap believes that the Commonwealth Games gold in men’s singles should be the beginning of a new chapter in his career. “The wait has been pretty long for this golden moment. But, I am happy that it finally came in such a prestigious event. So, better late than never,” Kashyap said on Tuesday.
Kashyap, who arrived along with bronze medallists R.M.V. Gurusaidutt (men’s singles) and P.V. Sindhu (women’s singles) in a chariot on the ‘home stretch’ to the Gopi Academy, said that having lost important matches in the third games, he was determined to win gold at the CWG.
“I was frequently asked by my parents when I would win those crucial points in the decider of big matches. Hence, I was determined this time around to get this gold for my parents,” he said.
Special feeling“Winning gold is always a special feeling. More so, after such a long wait,” said the Indian shuttler.
“I have been a quarterfinalist in a World championship, at the Olympics and in the All England championship. So, I am aware of what it means to win gold in a major event like the CWG,” he said.
“It was a deliberate strategy to play those jump smashes in the final. Yes, having seen my coach Gopi play those shots was an inspiration,” he said with a big smile.
For his part, Gurusaidutt said it was good to be a CWG medallist. “This is the best moment for me and highly satisfying having beaten the top seed in the quarterfinals. I am delighted,” he said. “I dedicate this medal to my coach Gopi Anna and my parents,” he said.
Sindhu said though she was disappointed at losing in the semifinals, she was happy winning a medal in the Games. “I can proudly say now that I am a CWG medallist too.”
Chief coach Gopichand termed the performance of the Indian shuttlers as remarkable. “These performances mean a lot to the players. I am also happy with the women’s doubles silver for Jwala and Ashwini. It is unfortunate they could not win the second game and take the match to the third in the final,” he said.
Saina Nehwal, who left the venue just before the CWG medallists arrived, also felt that it was a very good performance from Kashyap.
“He is capable of producing such results and badly needed a gold medal.
“I am glad that he had finally won it. He has the game and can go to the distance. I am also pleased with Guru and Sindhu. This augurs well for Indian badminton,” she said.
G. Jwala was not present at the function which was for the Gopi Academy trainees.
