Fresh from yet another title in the just-concluded Senior Nationals in Delhi alongside Ashwini Ponnappa, G. Jwala says she is open to any discussion with the top brass of the Badminton Association of India to resolve all issues involving her.
“Whatever happened was sad. It was not good for anyone even though I fought for an issue, and not for myself. Akshilesh Gupta Sir and all other top officials were there in Delhi during the Nationals. The mood seems to be reconciliatory,” the 30-year-old said here on Wednesday. “There have been no talks on specific subjects yet, but I am definitely open to any sincere debate in the interest of the sport. What I would like everyone to remember is that that my fight with the BAI was not personal. I was never against anyone. I was only pointing out something that was wrong,” Jwala said.
“Take the IBL controversy where, being captain of my team, I had to defend my teammates — it was not a personal battle. The issue of making a big player play in a Senior National (event), as if it was some sort of mandatory thing — these are issues which are of concern to everyone,” she said.
The 10-time national doubles champion looks at her latest title-triumph as just another feather in her cap.
“For me, it is nothing special, having won it so many times earlier. Yes, given the backdrop of recent issues there are some who feel it is an important win,” she said with a big smile.
“The bigger goal is to win a medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics. That is one thing I am really keen to achieve,” said Jwala.
Jwala also asserted that she had long-term plans of playing with Ashwini, from whom she had split earlier.
She also said her academy plans include approaching the State Government to let out the existing infrastructure either for rent or on long-term lease. “The idea is to keep the sport within reach of the common man,” she said. “I was never after money, and I think it would be unfair to make money by charging exorbitant amounts.”
“My Academy plans are no competition to that of Gopi (who runs the Pullela Gopi Chand Academy in the city). He is a big personality, and I can tell you I cannot achieve what he has.
“But, within my own limitations, I will be happy to give back something to the game.”
