New Delhi: Indian doubles players are struggling with tactics and not reading the game properly, according to mixed doubles star Joachim Fischer Nielsen of Denmark, who believes a Danish coach can provide new knowledge and solve the country's doubles woes.
An accomplished doubles player, Fisher, who won at least eight Superseries titles, including two Superseries Finals victories, praised India's singles shuttlers but said the country needs to change a few things in doubles. "India should be proud of having such strong singles players. India won Olympics and world championship medals. It is very difficult to win those medals. For Denmark, We are powerhouse in Europe but it is very difficult in Asia," said Fisher, who along with his partner Christinna Pedersen, won bronze at the London Olympic Games in 2012.
"If I have to be honest, you need Danish coaches. It seems that your doubles is not reading the game good enough. That is my opinion and I think they need knew knowledge, they need to change something because it is not working for them right now. I think they are struggling with tactics and reading the game," he told PTI.
At 35, Fisher is Denmark's most experienced player but he said he would not like to go for the Rio Games if he feels he doesn't stand a chance to win and would take a final decision after the World championship in Copenhagen.
"My main target is to win in World championship. The Chinese are very tough but we would try to beat everybody. That is our target. Me and my partner have won bronze medals at the Olympics and World championships back in India, so we will try our best," he said.
"Olympics is definitely a goal but I think I will take a decision after the world championship in Denmark. I had to make a lot of sacrifices to be at the top. I have a son and a daughter now and I want to spend time with my family. So I have to discuss with them. "I think my body can take it but it depends on my mind because that is what controls it. I am spending a lot of time keeping my body going by training. But it can be mentally tough. But let me say if I go for one more Olympics, I won't go there for fun. I will only go if I have a chance to win," he said.
The retirement of badminton great Peter Gade in 2012 made Fisher the new elder statesman in the Danish team and he said it has been difficult but he is happy with the progress the country's shuttlers have made in the last couple of years. "It has been difficult to take over from Peter because he is a legend back there in Denmark but I am trying my best. I am much elder than other players, so I try to help them to build the young players so that they can take over when time comes," said Fisher.
"It is difficult to make strong player. But Denmark is trying hard to get young players. We have Jan o Jorgensen is very strong. Hans is also on his way. So it looks good. But Denmark has a lot of respect for Indian players, they are very strong."
The finals of the second edition of the Indian Badminton League will be clashing with the qualifying round of Denmark Open but Fisher said he would like to come back for the cash-rich tournament in October.
"It is a hectic year, too many tournaments and also we want to play in the Indian league as well. I would like to comeback. I will try my best. I will talk with the organisers and try to comeback this year," said Fisher, who partnered Ashwini Ponnappa for Pune Warriors in 2013.
"There is actually no time in the Calendar and they found a time where it can be hold. It is difficult for Danish player because Denmark open is starting on the last day of IBL. It is big tournament for us. But we will try to play in the Indian League. "We will have to come to India a lot because the Thomas cup is also there next month and we will look to use the experience here."
