Indian shuttler is determined to succeed in Super Series event starting in New Delhi
Parupalli Kashyap became only the third Indian men’s shuttler to reach a career-high World No 7 ranking as the World Badminton Federation (BWF) released its rankings last week. More importantly for the player, in doing so, he emulated his idol — Pullela Gopichand. The legendry Prakash Padukone first broke into world Top 10 rankings way back in 1979.u00a0
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Kashyap goes into the India Open Super Series, beginning today at the Siri Fort Complex here, as the No 5 seed and is drawn to meet Indonesian ace Taufiq Hidayat in Round One.u00a0MiD DAY caught up with a confident Kashyap, who was happy that his No 7 ranking would help him in the main fixtures at international events, but felt his draw here is a tough ask. Excerpts:
How hard was it to break into that Top 10 barrier?
It was very hard (to enter the Top 10). It was a huge toil that took so many years. It was at this very tournament last year that I was lucky in a way as I got a walkover in quarter-finals and reached the semis. But my preparations had been going on long before. It was a dream to be a Top 10 player and once that happened, you want to move up. I am lucky that in Gopi Sir, I have a coach who knows the exact work ethic needed (to be up here). It’s been a good year for me as I have been making it to quarters and semis often.
Does a World No 7 ranking help in tournaments?
Once you are in the Top 8, you will always be seeded in the main draw of 32 and that helps a lot. If you are World No 9 for example, and the Top 8 are playing, you could meet anyone in Round One itself. So it helps in a way (to be the Top 8) especially in big ticket events like the Super Series where, if you are in form, you can at least make the quarter-finals.
Did you set any specific target across this last year?
I wanted to be recognised as a Top 10 player for sure. That was important psychologically. I have achieved that, so that’s over. The important thing for any player is to win titles and I won the India GP Gold at Lucknow — my first big international title. But for me, a player ‘arrives’ if he or she wins a Super Series title. Look at Saina (Nehwal), she is such an inspiration for all of us. I need to win a big title to really arrive and be known as a top-class player. Winning a big Super Series title is my priority.
Speaking of India Open, you have an interesting match first-up.
I have a really tough draw. Taufiq may be getting old, but he loves to play in India. He has a lot of experience and can turn things around any time. He has been Olympic champion, so I can’t take things lightly. But World No 1 Lee Chong Wei is the player to beat. I have played him in the quarter-finals at the London Olympics and stretched him. I have worked on my fitness and smashes a lot. I have prepared well, so I hope to do well with a bit of luck.u00a0
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