Badminton champion Jwala Gutta hates “animals engaged in any sort of fight”. In fact, she “hates any human being also getting involved in fights”. Hence, it is not really surprising that she intensely dislikes ‘cockfights’, a hitherto rural bloodsport which has gained fame and notoriety in the recent times. These take place during the Sankranti festival predominantly in Andhra Pradesh.

She expressed her displeasure at using cocks for the pleasure of human beings. “I saw so many birds getting injured and killed during these fights. It is so disturbing," Jwala said at the campaign being taken up by Prevention of Cruelty to Animals against cockfights here on Saturday.

Replace cockfight with sports

"I take this platform to appeal to everyone to stop cockfighs. Worse that there is so much of gambling too involved in it. If you want to spend your leisure time, come to sports and enjoy any game you like. I would like to coin the slogan - sports for cockfighting - henceforth," she explained.

The ace doubles shuttler said: "I deem it to be a privilege to engage in this campaign, for I am trying to give back something to the society. This is a wonderful cause and I will be actively involved in it," said Jwala, attired in a specially designed dress and with 'blood spots' on her ‘body’.

India's Daughter

She also used the platform to voice her opinion and support to the controversial documentary of the BBC on the Nirbhaya episode 'India's Daughter'. “We live in a hypocritical society. I don't understand what is the wrong if every parent and kid watches the documentary. People should know what has happened, be aware and be better equipped to handle any such situation," Jwala remarked on the sidelines.

"Of course, I am for the documentary to be telecast. There are no second thoughts on that," she insisted. The shuttler also hoped that like millions of Indian fans she too would love Dhoni's team to bring back the World Cup. "I wish the entire Indian cricket team the best of luck," she signed off.