Jwala Gutta has been perennially working towards the development of Badminton and especially the doubles category, as she feels that ‘doubles specialist’ are somewhat looked down upon in our country.
Gutta recently announced that she would be taking a sabbatical from the game as a player but swore to continue contributing to Badminton. And hence took up a coaching role. And even now she is doing everything under her power to uplift the doubles game and structure in the country.
“I would like to see the betterment of the game. I always spoke for doubles. The new administration (in BAI) is keen on taking me on board. I am happy and pleased. The new president Himanta sir (BAI president Himanta Biswa Sarma) is open-minded (to the views of all). That makes a lot of difference,” she said.
Jwala Gutta is currently the coach of women’s doubles, as appointed by BAI.
“Singles (in badminton) is doing extremely well. Doubles is nowhere. I want to promote doubles, educate people and media about doubles,” she said.
Gutta emphasised on the fact that how doubles wasn’t receiving as much attention, sponsorship and respect. Singles seems far more interesting to this generation and a lot of it has to do with the way both these categories are promoted by the current Federation.
Gutta was finally asked about her plans to return to the circuit, to which she said “I am still contemplating. I will decide soon,”
Hopefully, Gutta will be able to drive the doubles category forward as she feels strongly about it and has loads of experience playing it at the international level.
