New Delhi: Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap rounded off a brilliant year by winning his maiden tier three event, the Syed Modi International India Grand Prix Gold men's singles title, in Lucknow.
From being the first male player from India to make the quarter-final of the London Olympics to his triumph at the Syed Modi, Kashyap, the World No.20, had no regrets in 2012.
In an interview to IANS, Kashyap revealed that he has now set his sights on the All England Open and the World Championships.
Excerpts:
It has been a great year for you. You were the first male Indian player to reach the London Olympics quarterfinalist and now the Syed Modi title. How do you rate your season?
It has been my best season as I have never played so consistently. I made a couple of semi-finals and quarterfinals of the Super Series events, beat three-four top 10 players, so it has been good. Next I want myself to be in the top 10 so lets see how quickly I get there. I am also able to beat top 20 players regularly.
Do you have any specific targets for next year?
I am playing in all the Super Series' next year. To be specific I want to win the All England and grab a medal at the World Championships. I would like to win a Super Series.
How have you matured as a player this season?
I have learnt how to manage my injuries. Champions like Taufik Hidayat, whatever their condition is, will make finals and win tournaments. That's something which I want to do on a consistent basis. Cause injuries won't go, the key is to manage them.
You finally won your maiden Grand Prix event, that too in India?
I am glad to have won this tournament and that too in India. It gives me a lot of confidence going into the next season. I managed my injuries well and I would like to thank my physio and coach (Pullela) Gopichand. It would not have been possible without them. It was like a dream come true for me.
How is bad the abdominal injury that you picked up in Hong Kong in November?
I just tried to play smartly in a relaxed manner. I did not try hitting unnecessary shots. But the abdominal injury is bothering me more, especially during the final. I have also sprained my back during the quarterfinal.
Did you get enough time for rehabilitation before Syed Modi?
I withdrew mid-way in Hong Kong and also skipped the Macau tournament. I rested fr 10 days and took a week to prepare for Syed Modi. I was still doubtful for the tournament. But while preparing for the tournament, I did not feel any pain.
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