JOIN USAce doubles player Jwala Gutta and the Badminton Association of India (BAI) have reached a truce after being involved in a bitter row since the Indian Badminton League (IBL) in August.
A BAI disciplinary committee had recommended a life ban on Jwala for her alleged role in trying to stop some players of her franchise Krrish Delhi Smashers from playing against Banga Beats following a last-minute replacement in the team in the event on August 25.
The matter went to the Delhi High Court, which asked BAI to allow Jwala to participate in tournaments till the disciplinary authority takes a final decision on the matter.
Jwala, who won her 14th national doubles title and second with Ashwini Ponnappa on Monday, said Ashwini and she were the best women’s doubles team in the country and hoped BAI would consider her for selection. “We are the best and there is no doubt about it. We have been the best for quite sometime. Today, all eyes were on me and I am happy we were able to live up to the expectations. I hope I will be considered for the national selection now,” a jubilant Jwala said.
BAI president Akhilesh Dash Gupta said the chapter has been closed. “She has explained her stand. She is an asset to the team and we need to move ahead. The federation needs to take the players along. We are there for the players. This chapter is over for us,” he said.
Added Jwala: “He was very understanding and I am hopeful that the matter will end. It is not my job to run to courts. My job is to play and I do not want all this to happen. I want to focus on the game.”