New Delhi: Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand secure historic World Championships medal
Historic Medal for Indian Duo
Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand have secured a historic medal at the BWF World Championships in New Delhi, marking a significant achievement for Indian badminton. The unseeded women’s doubles pair delivered a remarkable comeback victory against China’s Jia Yi Fan and Zhang Shu Xian in the quarterfinals. This win guarantees them at least a bronze medal, ending a 15-year wait for an Indian women’s doubles medal at the World Championships.
The match, which lasted over 70 minutes at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, saw the Indian duo overcome an initial deficit. After losing the first game 16-21, Treesa and Gayatri rallied to win the subsequent games 21-15 and 21-13. This performance showcased their resilience, especially considering their previous 0-3 head-to-head record against the Chinese pair and Treesa’s recent return from an ankle injury.
Coach B Sumeeth Reddy highlighted the emotional significance of the victory, particularly for Gayatri. He noted the “big baggage” Gayatri carried as the daughter of legendary national coach Pullela Gopichand. Reddy expressed that this medal would bring Gayatri relief, establishing her as a World Championship medallist in her own right. Pullela Gopichand, who was courtside, had been actively involved in their training, conducting two or three sessions daily for 45 days leading up to the event.
Overcoming Challenges and Expectations
The journey to this medal was marked by several challenges. Treesa had been recovering from an ankle injury, which had interrupted the pair’s progress after they had broken into the world’s top 10. They only returned to the circuit in June following months of rehabilitation. Reddy praised Treesa’s hunger and determination, stating her ambition to be a prominent figure in Indian badminton.
The comeback against Jia and Zhang was particularly impressive. The Chinese pair started strongly, taking a 1-6 lead in the opening game and capitalizing on errors from the Indian duo. However, Treesa and Gayatri responded by improving their defense and controlling net exchanges in the second game, turning a 5-10 deficit into a commanding finish. They then dominated the decider with relentless attacking badminton.
The significance of this medal extends beyond the individual players. India had maintained an unbroken medal streak at the World Championships since 2011. Reddy acknowledged the immense pressure of sustaining this streak, especially with the event being held in India and thousands of home fans in attendance. He expressed his happiness that their performance contributed to keeping the streak alive.
Road to the Semifinals
Before their quarterfinal triumph, Treesa and Gayatri had already demonstrated strong form. They secured a straight-game victory in their Round of 16 encounter, defeating Japan’s Rin Iwanaga and Kie Nakanishi 21-16, 21-12. In that match, they asserted their authority early, maintaining a steady lead in the first game and widening the gap in the second to secure their place in the quarterfinals.
The duo’s strategic play and resilience have been key to their success. Their ability to recover from setbacks, both in individual matches and throughout their season, highlights their determination. With this historic medal secured, Treesa and Gayatri are now set to compete in the semifinals of the BWF World Championships.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
