When did you start playing? Does badminton run in your family?
I started in 1999 when I was nine. Both my parents played the game at the state level.
Your previous best...
The Commonwealth Games where we won the bronze and then the Asian Satellite singles title late last year.
How has coaching under the All England champion Pullela Gopichand helped you?
I was winning at the national level previously but under him I’ve started doing well in international tournaments.
Gopichand’s game was a mentally tough one. Has he trained you similarly?
Yes, he does focus on mental fitness. Before every match, I meditate for 5-10 minutes. And in the court, all I can think of is winning.
What are the weaknesses in your game?
Dribbling near the net, half-smashes and movement around the court.
And your strengths...
Smash hits, drop shots and attacking tosses.
What is your next goal?
Well, I want to win the Olympic Gold medal.
Immediately after your win, you lost in the Indonesian Open.
Yeah, I arrived just an hour before the match and I lost the qualifying round. Now I move on to the Singapore Open after some doubles here.
Do you miss being a normal teen?
Now badminton is everything and I have to win. When I win, everything is enjoyable.
