Badminton doubles specialist G. Jwala came down heavily on Chief National coach P. Gopichand for holding several positions in the game, giving rise to conflict of interests.
Addressing mediapersons at the Air Costa senior National badminton championships here on Saturday, she said Gopichand’s multi-roles had resulted in favouritism and talented players who were not from his academy were subjected to discrimination.
“He (Gopichand) is the secretary of the Telangana Badminton Association and is on the governing council of the Indian Badminton League. He is the Chief National coach and also president of the Indian Badminton Players Welfare Association. He runs an academy and plays and represents Indian Oil Corporation. How can you expect transparency from a coach who runs his own academy?” she asked.
Jwala said players from other than his academy were looked down upon, a perfect example was Ashwini Ponnappa and herself, she said.
“In the Indian team, players trained at other academies are treated like untouchables. Players from Gopichand’s Academy hesitate to speak to us for fear of admonishment. Most of the coaches who accompany the Indian teams are from Gopichand’s Academy,” she said.
BAI flayed She faulted the Badminton Association of India (BAI) for glorifying the triumphs of singles players and ignoring the victories of the doubles specialists. “Sometimes we do not even get a congratulatory message, leave alone felicitations. Mind you, Ashwini and I won three major international doubles titles last year. Despite our contribution to Indian badminton we are put to a lot of discomfort.”
Jwala said she was waging a lone battle for a transparent BAI since 2006 but for speaking the truth she was branded a rebel.
“I may play for two or three more years. I am raising my voice for the future generation. Youngsters should play the sport without fear. Parents and players are so insecure they do not want to speak the truth,” she said.
Jwala blamed BAI’s inept functioning for not taking any action against the ‘star’ players who pulled out of the senior National championship, considered the prestigious and mandatory domestic fixture.
“Till now I have played all the senior Nationals. I want to see what action BAI takes against the ‘elite’ players who pulled out of the tournament citing various reasons.”
