Fresh from winning the doubles bronze in the Asian championship, G. Jwala and Ashwini Ponnappa have reasons to feel upbeat about their prospects in the upcoming Uber Cup team badminton championship here next week.
Returning to the Siri Fort Indoor Complex where they won the 2010 CWG gold medal, Jwala and Ashwini need no reminding of the importance of their success each time India plays in the league phase.
Speaking to mediapersons on Tuesday, Jwala said: “As a team we are playing well. There are lot of expectations from us and we will give our best to clinch victory for India.”
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If Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu are expected to win their singles rubbers, Jwala and Ashwini remain pivotal to India’s chances of reaching the knockout phase. “The whole idea of playing for a team is so different from playing individually. I am a team player and I like the feeling around that we are one team. We all have one aim, to win for the country,” said Jwala.
Ashwini seconded Jwala’s views. “In the individual events, we play for ourselves. Even if we play for the country, there is no one relying on us. When we play team championships, we ensure that whatever we do, the effort should help the team win.”