Ashwini and Jwala — ready to spring a surprise or two

The potent combination of G. Jwala and Ashwinin Ponnappa concur with their coach Kim Tan Her when he says that the lack of tag of 'favourites' works to their advantage. Photo: V.V. Subrahmanyam

The best part of the Indian women’s doubles challenge in badminton at the Rio Games is that they don’t wear the tag of ‘favourites’, according to the specialist coach Kim Tan Her. And former World championship bronze medallists Ashwini Ponnappa, who returned to the courts only a couple of days ago after a three-week break because of dengue fever, and G. Jwala are in the mood to spring a surprise or two in the Olympics.

They both nodded in approval when the coach said, “This can be a huge plus, for a lot of load is off your shoulder and you can stay more focussed and relaxed too. Both of them are experienced players and know what is expected of them. It is not just about skills but also more about making them mentally tough for the big event.”

Ashwini, whose smashes have earned her an awesome reputation, said, “We are enjoying every minute of our training and are really glad that a specialist coach is finally taking care off [our preparations] before the Olympics.

“We know how things went wrong in London and definitely are keen to set the record straight this time around.

“Our strong points are offence and the totally different game we play together. I don’t think any other duo plays like us,” she added with a big smile.

“The common goal for both of us is to really do well. We are fortunate to have a coach in Kim who knows what exactly we both need to do and ensures that we combine really well to produce the results. The key is consistency and the efforts are there in the training session. Even Jwala has really worked a lot,” said Ashwini.

For her part, Jwala said that the biggest positive of the two-month long training in the run-up to the Olympics is that her mobility on court has improved dramatically.

“I am a lot more fitter and better as Kim also worked on our individual skills a lot,” she said. “We go into this Olympics with a perfect blend of skills and fitness level,” she added.

“The fact that there are only 16 doubles combinations in Olympics, means that every team is going to be tough. There is no way you can relax. You have to up the ante for every point. To stay focussed through the match is the biggest challenge and we are ready for that,” added Jwala.

Jwala and Ashwini are aware that they have not really been successful in terms of winning titles in the circuit in the recent past.

“I don’t think that matters when you play in the Olympics. What is pleasing is the kind of preparations we are having for the Games. Anything can happen in doubles and that is exactly the reason Kim has ensured that all the doubles combinations trained with great coordination in the Olympics preparatory camp,” said Jwala, who at 32 is the elder stateswoman in the seven-member Indian badminton contingent for Rio.

Does Jwala believe this will be her last Olympics? “You can never say. If we come back with a medal, which is our dream and biggest goal, I can keep playing for I just can’t think of staying away from the sport,” she said. “Age is no bar for any sportsperson if he or she stays fit and keeps performing consistently at the highest level," said Jwala as she signed off.