Arjuna Award big boost for Hyderabad shuttler

The young shuttler, who’s in the form of his life, is among the 17 sportspersons recommended by the Sports Ministry for the prestigious award given for outstanding achievement in sports.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to know I have been nominated for the Arjuna Award,” Srikanth told this newspaper from Jakarta, where he defeated Australia’s Michael Fariman in straight games 21-10, 21-13.

“This award will inspire me to aim higher in my career. It will spur me on to play better and better at the World Championships as well as in upcoming tournaments,” Srikanth said.

The Arjuna comes on the heels of what has thus far been a tremendous year for the shuttler who trains at the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad, under the tutelage of chief national coach Gopichand.

Considered one of the more promising talents in Indian badminton, Srikanth was suddenly thrust into the limelight when he won the China Open in magnificent style last November, defeating the legendary Lin Dan to bag his first ever Superseries title.

He then followed that up with a rapid climb up the rankings ladder before pocketing the India Open Superseries in March. Srikanth is currently ranked World No.3 in men’s singles, the best ever ranking for an Indian.

Coach Gopi was understandably pleased. Expressing his pride at his pupil’s latest achievement, Gopi said: “I’m really happy for Srikanth. It (the award) was completely deserved given how he has played over the last few months. I hope this will spur him on to greater heights.”

While obviously delighted, Srikanth has his feet planted firmly on the ground. “This is a big boost for me, certainly, and I will try my best to play even better than ever in the rest of the World Championships, but I will not guarantee any kind of success. It all depends on how I play in each match. I’ll take it one game at a time,” the soft-spoken youngster said.

“It was an easy match for me today (against Fariman). I’ll be facing Hsu Jen Hao of the Chinese Taipei in the second round.” Srikanth holds a 1-0 record against the Taiwanese, having defeated him in straight games at last year’s Denmark Open. “But the conditions during that victory and the conditions tomorrow will be different so I will remain on my toes,” Srikanth said.