Jwala Gutta

I am playing the Olympics for my country. I know how hard I worked.

I don't fear anything.

Being a doubles player, without any support, we don't have any godfathers in doubles.

From childhood I have played for India. I have represented India. I have always been a proud Indian.

It's just not in me to regret being me.

Unless it happens naturally, the relationship doesn't work.

People don't take badminton seriously. When I played, people never took me seriously.

When I play for the country, I represent the country and not any specific government that is ruling or not ruling.

Eight to ten hours in a day is the maximum you can give to a sport, any sport. After that, I should be free to do what I want.

Why should you think that a good-looking girl who likes taking care of herself is not as focused as someone who doesn't do all that? Why should I be told to focus on the game and not do any makeup?

I'm a proud feminist, people get irritated with that word... but we need feminism in our country.

Off court, I'm easy going.

I was very different from other badminton players. I did not bring badminton home. I wouldn't eat, sleep, drink badminton or talk about it to friends.

I've been a very self-dependent person.

In China or in the U.S., the government program takes over promising sporting talent at a very early age and then financially secures their life. They get educated.

A girl has to worry about financially securing her future. There is also the question of marriage. Whether to continue playing after marriage is another question. That is why a job is very important for a sportswoman so that she is able to play without worrying about such things.

There is a lot of discrimination. Consider this: whenever a badminton squad is sent for an international meet, there are usually 10 boys and 3-4 girls. Why is it like this? Why can't we send an equal number of boys and girls?

I want to promote doubles, educate people and media about doubles.

I've enjoyed my phase of playing women's doubles.

I kind of missed playing mixed doubles.