I'v no fear of losing in Olympics: Jwala
Jwala Gutta knows competing at the London Olympics could be quite nerve-wracking but the Indian ace shuttler said she is ready for the challenge as she is not scared of losing and believes in working hard.
"I don't fear anything. I am not afraid of losses, I am not afraid of losing to anybody. I am playing the Olympics for my country. I know, how hard I worked. I am sure results will come," Jwala told PTI in an interview.
"Being a doubles player, without any support, we don't have any godfathers in doubles. It's me who started everything. I don't have anything to lose really. I will give my 100 per cent. I am sure things are going to come out really good," she added.
Jwala and Ashwini Ponnappa had won the bronze medal in women's doubles in 2011 World Championships at Wembley Arena in London, the same venue where next month's Olympics is going to be staged.
"I am confident. I played in the same venue, world championships. I feel, when I can win bronze medal in world championships, Olympics is no different," Jwala added.
The first Indian shuttler to qualify in two events -- women's doubles and mixed doubles -- at the Olympics, Jwala said the fact that the country is expecting a medal from her is in itself a big achievement.
"Expectations are high. That is an achievement for me. Expecting a medal from doubles player in India, is an achievement for me. I am happy for it. That is a good change," said Jwala.
"Till two years ago, nobody expected a medal out of me from Commonwealth games. So, everybody is expecting me to win a medal in Olympics. I think I achieved that. It is a good feeling. I am proud of that," she said.
The one-half of the Commonwealth Games gold medallist pair, Jwala said even though she is used to playing two events in a tournament, she is working to lose some weight to improve her on-court movement.
"I am used to it. I have won tournaments like that. I played two events everyday and won. But, of course, in Olympics there is going to be more pressure," she said.
"Fitness wise, I am fit. But, I want to get fitter and stronger. I am working on losing weight, so that I move faster. Till now, I never had any fitness problems or any injuries. I am still fit, but it is just that little more. I wanted to do whatever I can for Olympics. I just want to give my best shot," she added.
The 28-year-old Hyderabadi said Olympics would be a big challenge but she remains confident of winning a medal.
"Olympics is a big challenge. It is the biggest sporting event in the world. Playing first rounds itself will be a challenge as top 16 have been selected to play in the Olympics. I cannot underestimate anybody," she said.
"Everybody will be physically fit. But the day, whoever is mentally strong, will come out winner. I am all prepared. No strategy. Just go there, I know everybody is working hard. Everybody will have a lot of pressure," she said.
