She's just back from her Canadian Open victory, but Jwala Gutta is in no mood for jubilation. In an exclusive,... Read More

She's just back from her Canadian Open victory, but Jwala Gutta is in no mood for jubilation. In an exclusive, she tells Hyderabad Times why chief national coach Gopichand makes her feel so sore.

People listen to us only after we win...

I end up cribbing after each win, 'cos that's the only time people are ready to listen and understand what I am saying. Ashwini and I have achieved so much in our career, but have never gotten our due and it is just because of one person - Gopichand. We are World No. 13 now, but instead of supporting us, he is only pulling us down. So, I want to speak now in the hope that this win will get us included in the TOP Scheme.

Gopi didn't even congratulate us!

It seems the whole country is rejoicing over our Canadian Open win except the chief national coach. It is overwhelming that everyone from President, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, the Sports Minister's Office to well-wishers have sent Ashwini (Ponnappa) and me congratulatory messages. But there was just no acknowledgement from Gopichand. it matters to me because he is the top administrator. He should be happy about this win.

Treat us all equally or step down, Gopi

The chief national coach is responsible for every single player. Ashwini and I won bronze at the BWF World Championships in 2011, a gold and silver at 2010 and 2014 CWG, both firsts for the country. Yet, we are not included in the TOP Scheme! Why? Just because we are not from Gopi's academy? Is it fair that Gurusai Datt's name is in TOP Scheme? (He is ranked No. 43). If the government or Gopi thinks the highest ranked women's doubles team of India isn't good enough to take a bet on for Olympics, there is something seriously wrong. I think he should step down.

I totally agree with Jwala: Ashwini Ponnappa

The chief national coach should actually be the one who is most proud of this win and be the first to congratulate us. But that's not the case when it comes to Jwala and me. And that just means there is something wrong. If he was someone who treated all players equally, I think he would be happy that we won gold at the Canadian Open. And if he can't do that, if he can't be equal and fair to all players, I totally stand by what Jwala said - Gopichand should step down as the chief national coach.

The association is not doing justice: SM Arif

I don't stop Jwala every time she lashes out at the authorities, because she speaks the truth. If she was lying, I would have openly said that action should be taken against her. But if she is performing well and still getting step-motherly treatment, why wouldn't she speak out? I believe that those in the badminton association are not doing justice. They are not doing the job for which they are elected, that is taking care of players. And if you can't do that, what for are you in that seat?

Jwala has no moral standing to say I should step down: Pullela Gopichand

Okay, let me take this opportunity to say that I would like to congratulate Jwala on her great victory at the Canadian Open. Their event wrapped up on Sunday and they came back on Tuesday night. I sent representatives from the Rangareddy Association, of which I am president, to receive Jwala at the airport. on Wednesday morning, Jwala says she hasn't received a congratulatory message from me! It's not like it has been a week already! I am not on Twitter or Facebook, so I can't post messages online. I was at the President's dinner on Tuesday. Maybe, I would have messaged her today, but if I do that now, it will look like I did it because she complained!

As for me stepping down, well, Jwala has no moral standing to say that, because we have always supported her. She has gone for 200 tournaments or more in the last 10 years and if I don't propose her name, how would she go? If she says I haven't supported her, let her specify. If it is about sponsors, come on, I am not responsible for players getting sponsors. And even if I were to do that, I wouldn't go out of my way to get a sponsor for someone who speaks ill of me. I think my actions and performance speaks for me. I do my job very well, whether it was as a player, or now as the chief national coach.

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