They began their sports career with the same coach, at the same place and share an almost identical background. So they know each other well and work in perfect coordination.
Arun Vishnu and Aparna Balan have been such a tremendous pair on the court that the combination has scripted a number of success stories including more than five international crowns so far.
The latest of them, obviously, is the mixed doubles title at the National Games which concluded recently in the state. “It was a wonderful moment winning a gold medal at the National Games. We knew that it was within our reach. It was one of the most cherished moments in our life,” says Arun.
Twenty-six-year-old Arun is two years younger than Aparna, and has been playing badminton with her for about nine years. The shuttler is proud that his partner on the court understands him well during games. “We could play in great understanding because we both could really predict our moves around the court. It is this formula that we have put in to practice often when beat our opponents,” says Aparna.
The star mixed doubles pair’s entry into the sport was almost similar- Arun was inspired at the age of 12 by his state badminton champion neighbour while Aparna was motivated by her own shuttler father Balan N.
Aparna eyed a career in athletics before she stepped on to the badminton court for training under Nazer A, Sports Council coach, whereas Arun had tried cricket before taking racket in hand. They both, however, found a common platform to work together in badminton under Nazer, who, they say, is the reason behind what they are now. “His training was the turning point in our lives. We learned the basics of badminton from him at the V K K Menon Indoor Stadium,” says Aparna, who also gives credit to her father for all her success.
“He has been a huge influence in my life. Without him, my achievements would have been impossible,” she adds.
The winning pair, who had claimed two Bahrain International Challenges and a Maldives International Challenge among others, however, is not ambitious about the Rio Olympics, next year.
“It is pretty difficult to reach unrealistic target. We don’t cherish such dreams. As of now, we are happy with what we have achieved, and would be continuing the same for a few more years,” says Arun.
Arun and Aparna work at the Indian Oil Corporation and are training at Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad.