New Delhi: London Olympics bronze-medallist in mixed doubles, Joachim Fischer Nielsen of Denmark feels India has a "strong" men's and women's singles pool and the country is fast emerging as a force to reckon with in world badminton.
Talking about the competition in men's singles, Fischer said, "The competition in men's singles is very strong. India is making a lot of good men's singles and women's singles players. Infact, India has two very good women's singles player now.
"The sport is doing well as people are working very hard, coaches and players are working hard. I think India can be happy and proud of the badminton players because they are strong and growing very fast," added Fischer, who is representing the Pune Pistons in the Indian Badminton League.
The 34-year-old doubles specialist lauded PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal, who won the World Championship bronze medal and the London Olympics bronze medal respectively.
"She (Sindhu) belongs to the top or else she could not have beaten two Chinese in China at the World Championship.
Saina is also very good. She could not win a medal at World Championship but she did it in the Olympics and I know how difficult it is to win a medal at the Olympics because it comes every four years," said Fischer, one of many players who have made the switch from singles to doubles.
"The Danish players, players from Germany are also pushing the Chinese and now India is also competing with the Chinese and it is very good for badminton. I hope that we can win some medals at the big championships so that it is not only China, China and China," he added.
With eight Superseries titles, Fischer is the most experienced shuttler in his country, following the retirement of players such as Peter Gade, Jonas Rasmussen and Thomas Laybourn.
Asked if he was past his prime, Fischer said, "Since the Olympics when we got a medal, I have been playing but I have to see how much I can get out of my body now. I have been around for a long time and have had good success. After IBL, I will see. May be if we win here, it will be a good time to stop."
Fischer along with a few other top players were on the verge of leaving the national team after their federation tried to stop them from joining the IBL and he said it is important for the organisation to be professional.
"It is important for the organisation to be more professional and make profile out of the players. Not only the top players but also the upcoming players," said Fischer, who is ranked fourth in the world along with his mixed doubles partner Christinna Pedersen.
Talking about his expectations from IBL, Fischer said he is happy to be part of the Pune team and will look to help it win the inaugural edition.
"It is a good challenge. I have played across the globe and I am happy to be in Delhi. I hope to contribute for my team. I have played two times in India. First time at Hyderabad in 2009 and then at Delhi during the India Open and it is nice to be here," he said.
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