Aparna Popat says Asian Games will pose bigger challenge for Sindhu, Saina

Former shuttler Aparna Popat during an event at a city hotel yesterday. Pic/Atul Kamble

Five months before the 2018 Commonwealth Games began in Australia, former Olympian and nine-time national badminton champion Aparna Popat was confident the Indian badminton squad were favourites to win the maximum number of medals. As it turned out, India's badminton queens, Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu won gold and silver respectively at the Gold Cost event. Kidambi Srikanth won silver after losing to Malaysian legend Lee Chong Wei in the final, while HS Prannoy ended his challenge in the bronze-medal match.

This time, Popat, 40, feels it will be tougher for the Indian shuttlers for the August 18-September 2 Games in Jakarta. "Sure, the Asian Games is definitely tougher than the Commonwealth Games, but we also know that performance is dictated by the form of the players. The players are capable of beating any of the top players today. If they strike form, they will definitely come back with medals," Popat said yesterday on the sidelines of a panel discussion organised by the Rotary Club of Bombay.

India's Saina Nehwal (right) and PV Sindhu won gold and silver respectively at the 2018 CWG. Pic/AFP

Popat felt Nehwal and Sindhu need to be sharp on the mental side at the Games. Refusing to advice the illustrious pair, she said: "They are experienced enough. They are champions and know what is required to be done at such a big event. As I said, if they remain mentally sound and at ease and motivated enough, they will strike form." Popat felt Indian shuttlers are equal in terms of fitness as the other top-class players. "I don't think we are behind them," she added.

"The other players have not been consistent because the format is so demanding now. Matches are extending to over an hour and a half. It's a regular feature." Popat reiterated the form factor in success. "The scoring pattern is competitive. With players having to figure in so many tournaments in a year, to strike form 16 times is impossible. So while we expect them to win everything, practically, this may not be the solution," she said.

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