Often outspoken, mostly often right and almost always true to herself, Indian badminton star Jwala Gutta has spoken out after receiving yet another snub from the Padma awards committee.
The full list of this years awardees was released on Wednesday with Gutta’s name missing once again, leading the doubles specialist to questioned the criteria for the awards’ selection. In particular, Jwala questioned the procedure of having to apply for an award despite her performance on the court being known to all.
I always wondered the concept of applying for particular award which is the most reputed awards in our country.... Aren’t my credentials good enough? Well I am really curious about the whole system..My two consecutive medals, Delhi CWG gold and Glasgow silver is not enough, My World Championships medal is not enough, I was top 10 ranked in this women doubles and mixed doubles and my superseries performance and medals in Grand Prix gold is not enough.Jwala Gutta
The left-handed Gutta won the gold in women's doubles at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, a bronze in the 2011 World Championships in London and several medals at various international events, including two bronzes in the Uber Cup. Despite that, after being continually snubbed, Jwala took to Facebook to express her disappointment.
I have been playing for this country for more than 15 years now..and have won so many prestigious tournaments.. I thought maybe I should apply..but I guess it’s never enough..you need recommendations, recommendations that you deserve an award. You need to put in a word and get letters and the list goes on and on..but the question I still have is why do I have to apply for an award and also ask for recommendation.Jwala Gutta
While she may have singles’ players who have achieved more in the sport, Jwala still is the country's most successful doubles specialist, having found great success with Ashwini Ponnappa. The pair consistently figures among the top-twenty pairs in the world ranking, reaching as high as number 10 in 2015.
I’m 15 times national champion and I am also the first Indian to qualify for two events in Olympics in Indian history, I’m the first Indian to win a medal after Prakash Padukone sir in world championships and so many other firsts.Jwala Gutta
She was given the Arjuna Award in 2011, India's second highest sporting award for her achievements.
I have laid path for doubles in Badminton for our country when nobody took it seriously..but it’s simply isn’t enough..why cos I am outspoken? Cos I am opinionated? why is it that I am being denied of this particular award? Now I really don’t know should I be asking for this award...or I simply don’t deserve it. if this is not enough what is?Jwala Gutta
Jwala has often called out the Indian badminton association and had stand-offs with the board members when pointing out pay desparities and other inconsistancies in the running of the sport in the country.