Aparna Popat - A graceful player

The reigning Women's Singles National Badminton Champion, Aparna Popat is one of the finest badminton players in the world. Her graceful movements on the court, her deft half volleys and her immense concentration make her stand apart from the rest.

She took up the sport of Badminton at the age of 8 and by the time she was 13, winning National level and State level tournaments became a habit. While staying in Mumbai, she was trained by her dedicated coach Anil Pradhan for 8 years. Under his able guidance, she developed the skill required to face many challenges of the game. As Prakash Padukone was setting up a badminton academy to provide a platform for budding badminton players, Aparna came to the city six years ago and she has now made Bangalore her home to pursue her badminton career.

A professional player par excellence, she sweats out hard four hours every day at the courts of BPL Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy.

This fine-looking Mount Carmelite has a zest for life. And her first love is badminton and nothing else.

Landmark Achievements:
Winner of Women's Singles in French Open, Paris
Gold medal at the SAARC championships
Gold medallist at the Asian Satellite in Colombo
Bronze Medal - Prince Junior Badminton Invitation Tournament, Hong Kong in1996
Runner-up in the World Junior Championship at Denmark in 1996
Represented India in the Uber Cup
Played in All England Championships and other tournaments in the European circuit .

Interview of Aparna Popat by J.Vinay

The reigning Women's Singles National Badminton Champion, Aparna Popat, spoke to
newdelhibest.com about her aspirations and her love for the game of badminton.

As an Olympian, can you share your Sydney experience.
I didn't expect to be there in the first place. I was happy being there. It was a great feeling. The mood was upbeat, you know. Sydney is a great place. The people are helpful and cheerful. The facilities were excellent! Well, I gave my best…

You think women dominated this edition of the Games? Cathy Freeman, Marion Jones, and our very own Karnam Malleswari…
Nothing like that. It's all about media hype. Actually, in every Olympic Games there are a few women champions.

Olympic Games is always controversial. What is that thing which keeps the 'flame of desire' burning?
Competitiveness and unity among participants… Sports is one thing which never goes out of fashion.

Your inspiration?
I derive inspiration from within. I believe in God. I think there's no power greater than the power within you. I have a great respect for Mr.Prakash Padukone. I like the Danish shuttler - Peter Gade.

How do you keep your cool during crunch situations?
I am not distracted easily. Nothing disturbs me. I am always concentrated on the game.

Which are toughest teams to beat? How are Indian players coping up with international standards?
China, Indonesia and Malaysia have a system of training and very good infrastructure. They have excellent playing facilities. It's good. Indians are doing quite well, but we have to improve a lot. Gopi Chand, the present Men's Singles National Champion, has won Uber Cup.

What are the ingredients required to be a top player?
It requires speed, agility, soft touch and a lot of other things like concentration... And there are different styles of playing - defensive, aggressive... Each player has his/her own style.

Your practice sessions…
I practice for four and a half hours a day. Two hours in the morning and about two hours in the evening. I also do jogging, a bit of meditation, stretching and other exercises. We have a psychologist - B P Bam. He helps us to build confidence…

Tell me something about the prize money…
I like trophies more than the money that comes with it. What you have learnt from victory is more important than all that. I sometimes give a part of my prize money to CRY.

Can you define 'killer instinct'?
Innate desire to win. To win at any cost!

What have you learned from your defeats?
Each defeat teaches you something. You have to learn harder.

Talking of coaches, they keep changing for every tournament. The rapport is never built…
There is no choice. It's going on for years.

Do you miss Mumbai?
I have been staying in Bangalore for the past 5 to 6 years. It is definitely better than Mumbai. But all my friends are in Mumbai. I miss them a lot.

Your happiest moment?
When I won the first tournament and got a prize of Rs 50/- (laughs like a child).

Then, your embarrassing moment?
It was during a match. I was standing next to Prakash Padukone. A kid came and asked me for an autograph, but ignored him completely! (blushes)

You are presently sponsored by…
I'm employed with IOC (Indian Oil Corporation). Yonex, Citibank and BPL also sponsor me. The Petroleum Sports Control Board is doing a good job.

Has cricket overshadowed badminton?
Everyone is fed up of the scandals and the game. But cricket cannot be killed! Leander won a Olympic medal and tennis in India shot up like anything. If we start winning, I'm sure people will start following the game with more enthusiasm.

Your ambition…
To get into the top 10 in the world and be the best.