HYDERABAD: After Saina Nehwal’s fine showat Indonesian Super Series earlier this year, it was the turn of VDiju and Jwala Gutta to make history. This time this duo became the first Indian badmintonmixed doubles pair to win a Grand PrixGold title tournamentwhen they defeated Indonesia’s Hendra Aprida Gunawan and Vita Marissa 24-22, 21-18 in the Chinese Taipei final.
Incidentally, Diju and Jwala, seeded third in this tournament,were successful in their second attempt after losing to Indonesia’s Flandy Limpele and Vita Marissa in the Indian Open Grand Prix Gold in Hyderabad in March.
Diju and Jwala held their nerves and finally clinched their career’s biggest ever title to carve a niche for themselves. “It is a victory for their determination and hard work,” said Syed Mohammad Arif, the former chief national coach.
In fact, it was in November last year when Diju and Jwala won their first ever Grand Prix title bywinning the Bitburger Open. “I thought they should have capitalized on that win. It took a while before they could win a Grand Prix gold title.
This will be a great confidence booster before the next year’s Commonwealth Gameswhere theywill face tough competition from the Malaysians,” said Arif.
The veteran coach said Diju and the left-handed Jwala, who are ranked seventh in the world, should make winning a habit. “They will break into top five soon but it is the consistency that will count. They have the game to be the best mixed doubles pair in the world. For that they have to keep winning GP titles,” opined Arif.
For 28-year-old Diju and 25-year-old Jwala, it is a moment to cherish. In August this year, they became the first Indian pair to enter the quarterfinals of World badminton Championship.