New Delhi, April 28 (IANS) India's shuttler Parupalli Kashyap Saturday said he was going to the London Olympics to win and his intention was not just to make up numbers.
Kashyap qualified for the Olympics courtesy a walkover by Chinese Chen Jin in the quarter-final of the India Open Super Series badminton Friday.
However the world no.30 wasn't so lucky Saturday as he went down in the semi-final against South Korean Wan Ho Shon, 14-21, 21-19, 16-21.
"Playing in Olympics for the sake of participation would not satisfy me," Kashyap said. "I want to play and win. That's why I wanted to do better here."
"After all, these are the players I will face in London. Now I now want to play both the tournaments left before the Olympics."
There was joy in the Indian camp after it was confirmed that five Indians will compete in the Olympics in men's and women's singles, women's doubles and mixed doubles.
Jwala Gutta, who will represent both in women single's and mixed doubles, said it was a great feeling to be in Olympics but she would like to wait till the official announcement was made.
Jwala said India were capable of winning a medal in women's doubles in Olympics. "We (Jwala and Ashwini Ponnappa) won the bronze medal in the world championship. So, there is no reason why we should not win a medal in London.
"In fact, I and (V) Diju have the ability to win a medal in mixed doubles also. Recently, in the Chinese Open, we made the semi-finals and have beaten some top players. All we need is to be little more consistent," Jwala said.
Chief coach and former All England Championship winner Pullela Gopichand was of the opinion that India had a fair chance of winning a medal in the summer extravaganza.
"We have a realistic chance of bagging a medal," he said.
|
Read More: Chennai Super Kings | Mumbai Indians | South Delhi | South West Delhi | South Delhi Campus | New Delhi South Ext-ii | Jwala Puri | Jwala Nagar | Lake-view-camp So | New Super Market | Tajpur (camp) | India Security Press | Ycm Open Univesity So | South Jhagrakhand Colly | South Banjara Hills | Survey Of India | State Bank Of India | Gutta Kinda Racha Palli | Knl-camp-b | Contai Super Market Ndtso
Comments: