Indian men’s doubles pair of Sumeeth Reddy and Manu Attri would be supported during their campaign in the Rio Olympics badminton by Pune-based sports NGO, Lakshya , it was announced today. The sports NGO had supported the cause of women’s and mixed doubles players in badminton during the 2012 London Olympic Games too, a media release said.
“We are happy that Ahmednagar-based Narendra Firodia, General secretary of the Shantikumarji Firodia Memorial Foundation has also joined hands with Lakshya to support the cause of sports and extended support to these two badminton stars,” said president of Lakshya , Vishal Chordia.
Reddy and Attri have qualified for the Rio Games badminton along with compatriots Saina Nehwal, P. V. Sindhu (both women’s singles), Kidambi Srikanth (men’s singles), Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa (women’s doubles). The Indian men’s doubles pair, ranked 20th in the world, are now eager to tighten up their game and improve the fitness levels ahead of the Games in August.
Olympics sole target
“Now there is no target apart from Olympics. Like any other athlete, I want to win a medal for my country,” said Attri. “There is a three-month gap now and we will look to train harder and improve our fitness for Olympics,” he added.
“Olympics is once in four years and all the players ranked higher than us would obviously be in pressure while playing us. So, if we can showcase the best game, then God willing, I think we can stand on the podium,” said Reddy. “Now that we have qualified, we are given extra attention on court and off court in the camps. So there a responsibility on both of us to ensure we give our best to get a medal for India,” he added.
The men’s doubles players are currently training under doubles specialist coach Kim Her Tan of Malaysia.
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