Commonwealth Games women’s champions and former World Championship bronze medallists, Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa are getting together again. Having parted ways amicably after the London Olympics last year, they have decided to reignite their formidable alliance once again.
They are back practising together under the watchful eyes of former chief national coach Syed Mohammad Arif at the Lal Bahadur Indoor Stadium.
The left-right combination is determined to revive its old fusion which had brought many a laurels to the country. “It feels good. I think it was a good break. It is kind of a fresh start and it is refreshing,” said the 30-year-old Jwala. They will play their first tournament at the Denmark Super Series this month.
The first outing from 2009 to 2012 as doubles partners saw them reach dizzy heights. The left-handed senior partner says Ashwini is a more experienced player now.
“She had different role in that combination. It will be a different experience now. I’m excited with this new comeback,” said Jwala. Ashwini echoes Jwala’s feelings. “It is pretty exciting, especially because both Jwala and myself have played well in the past. I’m looking to perform better than what we have done,” she said.
Both players agreed that the inaugural Indian Badminton League (IBL) brought them together again, given the late decision to withdraw women’s doubles and also the way the two icon players were treated. “I think IBL was instrumental in getting us together,” said Jwala. Ashwini agreed saying:
“There are a lot of factors but in the end it was nice to make a comeback together. IBL was a tiny bit of factor and the turn of events that took place made us think why not we play together again. We really need a strong women’s doubles pair in India.”
Ashwini said they would not like to prove a point as such. “It is just the fact we love playing together and we really want to do well,” she said. Jwala intervened and said there is fire in her game. “Everybody says I have a lot to prove. But I don’t think so. Why should I prove all the time? I have done a lot and I have achieved many big things, which many people could not have thought of in doubles and mixed doubles in the country.”
Jwala insisted she would stick to the same attitude.