But, the champion shuttler is equally disappointed at the attitude of President of Badminton Association of India, V.K. Verma, who she says has not even wished her and Ashwini after the great CWG feat. Here are the excerpts
Q. How special was the win at CWG 2010?
A. It was very special and it was long-time coming. I mean, I have been waiting for this moment in life for a very long time and I am glad it has finally come.
Q. Despite the big feat, you sound a little upset. What happened?
A. It was such a big moment for me, for Ashwini and the whole of India. Indian badminton has never had it this good in a long time. Yet, after the big victory the President of Badminton Association of India, Mr. V.K. Verma did not even bother to congratulate us even once. I am now talking to you four days after the achievement and there hasn't been a single phone call from Mr. Verma to wish us for this win. It feels very sad.
'What have I got to do with BAI elections?'
Q. Why do you think this is happening?
A. You'll have to tell me that. For the last two months, I have become some kind of a villain for Mr. Verma and I am being treated in a very shabby manner. He believes I had something to do with the BAI elections that took place a couple of months ago. That is very disappointing as what have I got to do with any elections?
Q. You mean it has something to do with the Azhar controversy?
A. How would I know? For me, I love friends. Now, you are a good friend of mine. I am a friend freak and get along very well with everyone but if that is mistaken for some different proximity, I can't go around town explaining people or justifying that I am not this or I am not that. This is very bad.
Q. Are you at least glad people didn't chase you for controversy after this win?
A. Hahaha (smiles). I am very glad people finally talk to me about badminton. That is how it should be, isn't it? Last couple of months, I went through tumultuous period with media chasing me for all the wrong reasons. I am today ecstatic, excited and on top of the world that no one is even asking me about the Azhar controversy.
'Parents and friends stood firmly by my side'
Q. How was that period when you were being chased on the Azhar controversy?
A. You knew how it was. Life was hell for me. I am very glad though that my parents stood by me. They were absolutely brilliant in that period. Without their support I don't know how I would have come out of that period. Also, that was a period I knew who my real friends were. Some of them stood so much by me in that period that I can never believe how great I feel for them today.
Q. This is your first big title in your career in terms of events like Asiad, CWG or Olympics. How does it feel?
A. It feels great especially this one as it came at a time when people had written me off. I always knew I had it in me to make it big and I am glad I pulled this one off.
Q. This is also a fresh partnership with Ashwini. You guys are getting along well?
A. Very well in fact. Ashwini has been brilliant. She is such a foil to the aggressive game that I play. It is very important you know to have players who compliment your style of play in doubles and I think Ashwini is just perfect in that sense.
'Best decision to move on from Shruthi'
Q. This partnership has come after people thought your decision to pull out of Shruthi Kurien wasn't the right move?
A. Look, I stand by that decision to end the partnership with Shruthi. She was a good player and we were going about our game well. But, it was very important for me to scale further up and that was something not happening with Shruthi. Our best ranking as a pair was 21 and I always wanted to go much more than that since I believed I had the potential. Now, it is just one year since me and Ashwini have joined hands and already we have hit a career-best 13.
Q. Top 10 within sights?
A. Very much although let me be clear rankings just don't matter beyond a point. It is very important to have a good ranking to get you favourable draws and that is where the significance of good ranking begins and ends.
Q. What next from here?
A. The immediate target is Asian Games, which in badminton is like the Olympics since Chinese are involved. It won't be easy and we need to be realistic about our chances at Guangzhou. But, the performance in CWG 2010 should come as a booster and let me see what I can deliver there. One thing is for sure. You can expect 100 percent or more than that from me and Ashwini.
'Saina is a delight to watch'
Q. What about India's performance itself at CWG 2010 as far as badminton is concerned?
A. It has been the best effort ever and I am proud to have contributed to the historic feat. Saina, you know is simply incredible. The way she keeps going on and on is such a delight to watch. She is all of 20 and I am sure Indian badminton is set to rock.
Q. Finally, what's your one wish after this achievement?
A. My wish is our BAI President wishes us. I don't know what I have to do with elections and why I am being targeted. Such things have happened before and it is unfortunate. It is time a sport like badminton, which is showing enormous potential get more professional as well.
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