Want to be in top 10 in 2013: Kashyap

New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS) 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 quarterfinal of the London Olympics to his triumph at the Syed Modi, Kashyap, 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:

Q. It has been a great year for you. You were the first male Indian player to reach the London Olympics quarterfinals and now the Syed Modi title. How do you rate your season?

A.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.

Q. Do you have any specific targets for next year?

A. I am playing in all Super Series’ next year and I would like to win one. To be specific I want to win the All England and grab a medal at the World Championships.

Q. How have you matured as a player this season?

A. 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.

Q. You finally won your maiden Grand Prix event, that too in India.

A. 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.

Q. How bad is the abdominal injury that you picked up in Hong Kong in November?

A. I just tried to play smartly and in a relaxed manner. I did not try hitting unnecessary shots. But the abdominal injury bothered me, especially during the Syed Modi final. I also sprained my back during the quarterfinal.

Q. Did you get enough time for rehabilitation before Syed Modi?

A. I withdrew mid-way in Hong Kong and also skipped the Macau Open. I rested for 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.

IANS 2012-12-26 17:18:17