Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
CHENNAI: P Kashyap has always walked a tightrope when it comes to injuries. Every high has inevitably ended with a low, or vice versa. Hip, shoulder, calf, abdomen and now knee, the list of injuries that have halted his progress seem endless.
By his own admission, Kashyap is not as gifted as other top shuttlers. But when it comes to work ethic, he’s second to none. “I’m not blessed with natural talent, but have will to work hard,” he once said.
And with the Olympic qualifying phase on (May 4 cut-off), he was always racing against time. After pulling out of the German Open earlier this year due to injury (later diagnosed as medial collateral ligament), he put his mind to beating the odds. Unfortunately, his doctor (highly renowned, having helped many athletes, including wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt) advised him to prolong his recovery period, which meant forfeiting crucial tournaments, and a chance to make the cut for Rio Olympics. “I was completely shattered. Everyone dreams of being part of (the) Olympics. I had other minor injuries too, but had kept them aside.”
The setback is yet to sink in fully. “I’m lost for words. The last few weeks, I’ve just been sitting at home,” he reveals.
Before fate struck, Kashyap had big dreams. “I was motivated to move up the rankings, and aiming for the top 10. Having participated in the London Olympics, I was aware I needed to churn out results to get a favourable draw at Rio,” the 2012 Olympics quarterfinalist recalls.
Now, he has made peace with his current state, and is aiming to get back on at the earliest. “I want to recover soon. The doctor has advised certain exercises, which are a big task,” the 29-year-old says with a laugh.
The Hyderabadi, who enjoyed a career-high ranking of No 6, considers his Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow as the highlight of his career. “I’ve never won a Super Series tournament, but have entered the semis on many occasions. I rate those performances highly. But the standout has to be CWG gold.”
On numerous occasions, folks have helped him in his quest of becoming a champion. He is thankful to coach P Gopichand, who inspired him to take to the court fearlessly. “I can’t pinpoint one person. A lot of people have supported me. The Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) have unfailingly supported me since 2010. The federation (BAI) has also backed shuttlers whole-heartedly. And Gopi (sir) has been one of the biggest influences. His All England feat was a breakthrough moment,” he says.
A Manchester United supporter through and through, he is also thankful to his parents for their unconditional support. “I’d to choose between engineering and badminton. My parents have been totally supportive about my choice.”
Six weeks. He is keen on returning within that period. “I can’t really say much about the future. You never know what will happen. I just want to play pain-free. There are lots of things to look forward to,” he signs off.
knee deep in trouble
Injuries could well be P Kashyap’s second name. The talented Hyderabad shuttler has always been dogged by niggles throughout his career. He had been on a race to get fit and to improve his rankings (only the world’s top 16 get direct qualification) . But with news of an impending knee surgery, Kashyap’s hopes are effectively over.
