HYDERABAD: England might be doing well in the sports arena, but one area has slowly slipped out of its grip in the last decade and a half. Badminton, a sport that England could once call its own, has become alien to them.
Only a handful of players are trying to keep their flag up. One such player is Rajiv Ouseph. Kerala-born Ouseph, who specialises in the men’s singles category has been England’s best bet for a long time and has proved his credentials again and again in a career spanning over 10 years.
Recently, he achieved a career-high ranking of World no 10, after making a quarterfinal appearance at the 2016 Rio Olympics. “This was my best performance ever. Also, this is the best that any English could achieve at the Olympics, but I would like to go further in the future,” Rajiv told Express.
Limbering up to play in the second edition of the Premier Badminton League that starts January 1, in Hyderabad, the 30-year-old eyes it as an opportunity to get some valuable tips from the Indian coaches.
Apparently, the six time England National champion has already had a brief stint at the Prakash Padukone Academy back in 2008. “It was a good stint there. I learnt a lot. Coaching standards and player in India are way higher than England. So I’m looking forward to make the most of the opportunity.”
Last year at the Pro Badminton League, Rajiv’s Delhi Acers were crowned champions, but now he will be playing for the Hyderabad Hunters. With the likes of Sameer Verma and B Sai Praneeth in the ranks, it will be a fresh challenge for him to spearhead the men’s singles team.
“I had a good experience with the Acers last time. This time I’ll be playing for Hyderabad Hunters. It doesn’t matter what team you play for. You need to play at your best. It will be a good challenge to play against the best in the world, that is always the case,” added Rajiv.
Apart from that, Rajiv wants to win for his country. A medal at the All England Championship and the World Championship is his main goal.
“Like any English player, I want to win the All England, and would like to do well at the World championship in August.
“We have a strong men’s doubles pair in Chris Langridge and Marcus Ellis. Gabrielle and Chris Adcock are doing great in mixed doubles. But, badminton is not a big sport in England. So we are unable to produce the kind of performances that we should,” he concluded.
Hyderabad will play Chennai Smashers in the opening match at home on New Year’s day.
madhav@newindianexpress.com