Jwala Gutta, BAI ready to bury past

New Delhi: “We are the best, we have proved it again,” asserted Jwala Gutta, after she and her re-united partner Ashwini Ponnappa regained the women’s doubles crown at the badminton senior nationals here on Monday.

For Jwala, who is not part of the India team for her ongoing tussle with the Badminton Association of India following the IBL row in August, more than the title — her 14th national crown — it was an answer to all who doubted their potential.

“A lot of questions were raised in Mumbai, when we lost the women’s doubles final. I feel in Mumbai we didn’t play to our best. Ashwini and I know, the day we play it’s difficult for national level players to compete against us.

“Today, all eyes were on me and I am happy we are able to live up to expectations,” said the delighted Jwala after their 21-17, 21-16 win over Pradnya Gadre and N. Sikki Reddy.

At the Tata Open recently, Pradnya and Sikki had beaten Jwala-Ashwini in the summit clash. “Personally, I don’t have to prove anything — I have my credential behind me. But again, my well-wishers always wanted me to win again. We hope to continue dominating in the women’s doubles. I still need to get fitter.”

Meanwhile, the BAI said that they have sorted out differences with Jwala. “Jwala has explained what had happened and we have no problem in moving ahead. She is an important part of the team,” the association said on the day.

After the win and reconciliation, Jwala is now hopeful of making it to the national team. “It’s always a great feeling to represent your country. I hope they will take me back in the team. Playing in the Commonwealth and Asian Games will be important,” she added.

Ashwini said: “Jwala and I have recently started playing together again. The win here was important to show that we still have the fire to do well. It was a confidence booster.”