On top of the world, Srikanth eyes more success

So, when 25-year-old Srikanth eventually scaled the summit in world men’s singles rankings on Thursday, it is not surprising that he treats this as another achievement.

Srikanth Kidambi returns to Sri Lanka's Niluka Karunaratne in Gold Coast on Thursday.

Kidambi Srikanth doesn’t believe in big talks. He always prefers to let the racket do the talking. Even for all those who are regular to Gopi Chand Academy where the champion shuttler puts in that extra effort to be a better player, he merely acknowledges the presence of visitors with a smile and gets back to business.

Someone needs to probe him to get the replies, for Srikanth is not one of those who love to engage in long chats.

So, when 25-year-old Srikanth eventually scaled the summit in world men’s singles rankings on Thursday, it is not surprising that he treats this as another achievement even while gently reminding that he has bigger goals to chase — including the Olympics gold.

“I always believed that if anyone is consistent in any sport, these things (rankings) automatically fall in place. So, honestly, I never chased them. But (I am) fully aware that if you keep winning titles, you are bound to be there at the top,” says Srikanth.

READ: Father walks down memory lane as Srikanth becomes World No. 1

“Well, for someone ranked No. 338 six years ago and now to be the No. 1 is a fabulous journey indeed,” he adds.

“Yes, being No.1 is something which not every athlete achieves. That way it will remain one of the special moments of my career and can only be a huge inspiration for better deeds,” says the star, who has had a dream run in the recent past, winning four Super Series titles — guiding Indian team to team gold in the ongoing Commonwealth Games.

“Well, my immediate goal is to win the singles gold in CWG,” he added.

“There is definitely huge load off my shoulders now with this ranking. For, this has been the question everyone has been asking me wherever I went. So, that way, I am relieved,” he says.

“This is a big year for Indian badminton and I would be glad to be part of anything which will bring name and fame to the sport for us. In the process, definitely winning gold in the Asian Games, the World championships are something which should make anyone proud off,” says the 2016 Rio Olympics quarter-finalist.

“Definitely, I dedicate this feat to my parents, coach Gopi Sir, my physio Kiran all the support staff at the Academy and all those who always backed my abilities right through my career,” he signed off.