Sindhu critical about timing of new service rule
New Delhi: World No.3 shuttler Kidambi Srikanth said Tuesday he would look to stay fit next year in order to have a fair chance of clinching medals for the country in a hectic season.
“There are lots of positives to take from 2017. Next year would be a big year with too many important tournaments lined up and it would be vital for me to stay fit,” said Srikanth on the sidelines of a felicitation program organised by the Andhra Pradesh government here.
“If I stay fit then I will be able to give my 100 per cent and only then I will have better chance of winning medals for the country in important tournaments such as Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and World Championships. It is important for me also to win medals at such events where I am representing the country,” added the Indian, who clinched four Super Series titles in 2017.
Srikanth also thanked the fans and the Andhra Pradesh government for ‘offering fantastic support’ to the players.
A slew of people, including young students, parents, officials, surrounded PV Sindhu (who was also felicitated) and Srikanth and bestowed them with garlands and bouquets, savouring the moment with the badminton stars.
The duo smiled and posed multiple times for the huge turnout of people, who wanted to capture the moment with their cell phones.
Meanwhile, Sindhu while talking to reporters said that the experimental service law in badminton could have come at a better time.
According to the new rule, ‘the whole of the shuttle shall be below 1.15 metres from the surface of the court at the instant of being hit by the server’s racket’. The law will be tested at next year’s All England Open Championships.
“From my side it’s just that it could have come at a better time. A different tournament instead of the All England Championships because it is a very prestigious tournament for everybody,” Sindhu pointed out.
“As far as my service goes I am trying but it should not be much of problem. We just need to practice it out,” Sindhu added.
Asked about the cramped international calendar in 2018, Sindhu said it is no point talking and debating over it.
“The calender has already come out so we cannot say we won’t play. Of course it’s a very tough schedule with the World Championships, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. I am going to pick and choose tournaments and plan with the coach accordingly, but no use debating about it, because we can’t change it,” Sindhu stated.
