The reigning women's singles national badminton champion, Aparna
Popat, spoke to our Sports Correspondent, J.Vinay
about her aspirations and her love for the game of badminton.
 As
an Olympian, can you share your Sydney experience...
I didn't expect to be there in the first place. I was happy
being there. It was a great feeling. The mood was upbeat,
you know. Sydney is a great place. The people are helpful
and cheerful. The facilities were excellent! Well, I gave
my best…
You think women dominated this edition of the Games? Cathy
Freeman, Marion Jones, and our very own Karnam Malleswari…
Nothing like that. It's all about media hype. Actually, in
every Olympic Games there are a few women champions.
Olympic Games is always controversial. What is that thing
which keeps the 'flame of desire' burning?
Competitiveness and unity among participants… Sports is one
thing which never goes out of fashion.
Your inspiration?
I derive inspiration from within. I have a great respect for
Prakash Padukone. I like the Danish shuttler - Peter Gade.
How do you keep your cool during crunch situations?
I am not distracted easily. Nothing disturbs me. I am always
concentrated on the game.
Which are toughest teams to beat? How are Indian players
coping up with international standards?
China, Indonesia and Malaysia have a system of training
and very good infrastructure. They have excellent playing facilities.
It's good. Indians are doing quite well, but we have to improve
a lot. Gopi Chand, the present Men's Singles National Champion,
has won Uber Cup.
What are the ingredients required to be a top player?
It requires speed, agility, soft touch and a lot of other
things like concentration... And there are different styles
of playing - defensive, aggressive... Each player has his/her
own style.
You were out of action for the past several months. Do you
think you haven't lost the touch?
I believe in my conscience. Once your conscience is clear,
everything falls into the right place. And once you start winning,
you gain back people's support.
Your practice sessions…
I practice for four and a half hours a day. Two hours in
the morning and about two hours in the evening. I also do jogging,
a bit of meditation, stretching and other exercises. We have
a psychologist - B P Bam. He helps us to build confidence…
Tell me something about the prize money…
I like trophies more than the money that comes with it.
What you have learnt from victory is more important than all
that. I sometimes give a part of my prize money to CRY.
| H e r F a v
o u r i t e s, H a t e s a n d
o t h e r s … |
Zodiac Sign: Capricon
Music: Rock music of 60s
Dress: Jeans and T-shirt
Cine Star: Hrithik Roshan (crush)
Author: John Grisham
Leader: Gandhiji
Food: Home food, which my mother
prepares
Afraid of: Heights and ssnakes….!!!!
Hate: Artificial people |
Colour: Royal blue
Best place: Khandala
Restaurant: Sunny's on Lavelle Road
Eat out: Corner House, the best ice-cream parlour!
Best friend: Bed!?!!?!!
Sports: Table Tennis and galli cricket
Principles: To be honest to myself
Ambition: Give the best in whatever I do |
 Do
you miss Mumbai?
I have been staying in Bangalore for the past 5 to 6 years.
It is definitely better than Mumbai. But all my friends are
in Mumbai. I miss them a lot.
Your happiest moment?
When I won the first tournament and got a prize of Rs 50/- (laughs
like a child).
Then, your embarrassing moment?
It was during a match. I was standing next to Prakash Padukone.
A kid came and asked me for an autograph, but ignored him completely!
(blushes)
You are presently sponsored by…
I'm employed with IOC (Indian Oil Corporation). Yonex, Citibank
and BPL also sponsor me. The Petroleum Sports Control Board
is doing a good job.
Has cricket overshadowed badminton?
Everyone is fed up of the scandals and the game. But cricket
cannot be killed! Leander won a Olympic medal and tennis in
India shot up like anything. If we start winning, I'm sure people
will start following the game with more enthusiasm.
Your ambition…
To get into the top 10 in the world and be the best.
Click
here for her profile
| J.Vinay |
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5:04:22 PM 
