Former Indian badminton star Jwala Gutta expressed that her career could have achieved more success with consistent institutional support and without controversies. Gutta accused former Badminton Association of India (BAI) president VK Verma and coaches of trying to sideline her career, citing instances of bias and lack of recognition even after winning the 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medal.
Gutta revealed that she felt marginalized by Verma, who she claimed attempted to end her career and removed her from the Indian team without explanation. Despite her willingness to contribute by mentoring younger players, Gutta felt compelled to step away from the sport due to the challenges she faced within the system.
Reflecting on her journey, Gutta emphasized the need for financial backing and support to nurture world champions, citing the example of Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra. She believed that with proper support and avoidance of controversies, she could have achieved the top rank in the world.
Gutta expressed her desire to continue contributing to Indian sports and grassroots development, highlighting the influence of politics in the sporting ecosystem. She acknowledged the importance of political connections in being heard and recognized in the current scenario.
