05 October,2010 06:53 AM IST | | Sanjay Sharma
Badminton doubles star Jwala Gutta reveals that she was approached to be part of the reality show
Jwala Gutta, badminton doubles exponent with numerous international titles under her belt and a leading mixed doubles player, spoke to MiD DAY on the sidelines of the India-Kenya opening tie at Siri Fort in the Capital yesterday.
Excerpts
India hammered Kenya 5-0. Where does the team go from here?u00a0
Yes, today was a real breeze. Tomorrow also won't be much of a problem when we take on Barbados. Scotland and Wales will be next before we reach the quarters. I am confident that this time we will beat England and reach the finals.
You are likely to play crucial matches against England and Malaysia in the semis and finals respectively. Do you think you will be able to last out under the pressure, given the fact that you will be playing the ladies and the mixed doubles?
England will be tougher for us. It may all come down to the mixed doubles. I feel if we beat England, we will be better placed against Malaysia. The Malaysian ladies pair is rankedu00a0 No 1, but only one of them has come and that is why I fancy our chances against them. Regarding my fitness, don't worry. I am fit.u00a0
There are reports that your mixed partner Diju has a back injury.
All rumours. If he had an injury he would have told me. I have been practicing with him for the last month or so and he has never complained. It is all media humbug.
Well, the media also says that you are joining a dance reality show.
I am not doing any such show. I have been approached many times but I have said no, even to BIGG BOSS. I want to play badminton for some more time. Besides, I am having the best time of my life right now. Why would I get into reality shows?
You are seeded high in both the open events. Are you sure of winning medals for India?
Are you implying that I won't win? Well, in the ladies doubles there is one pair from Singapore whom we lost to in the world championships. After training hard for the last few weeks, I am in good form and see myself winning three medals. The mixed event though will be more difficult as there are some top pairs in the draw.
