Speaking exclusively to IANS, Gutta said the problems within Indian badminton run far deeper than individual decisions. The former Commonwealth Games gold medallist revealed that she has repeatedly approached authorities with proposals to contribute at the grassroots level through her academy, but claims she has largely been ignored.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe whole system is a problem. It\u2019s completely monopolised. Only one person decides everything. I have been saying for four years that I also have an academy. Don\u2019t give me U-19 or senior camps \u2014 give me U-13 or U-15 players. Include me also. The kids will play well, then they will represent India,\u201d Gutta said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
According to her, players training at her academy are often unfairly labelled because of her outspoken image.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhoever trains in Jwala Gutta Academy becomes \u2018rebellious\u2019. That\u2019s the reputation they have made of mine,\u201d she remarked.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 14-time national champion also highlighted the role she played in bringing visibility to doubles badminton in India, arguing that many opportunities available to current players stem from the groundwork laid during her career.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIn 2006, if I hadn\u2019t won a medal at the Commonwealth Games, badminton players would not have been on the priority list. Whatever exposure trips juniors are enjoying today is because of the path I led as a doubles player,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite India\u2019s rise in doubles badminton in recent years, Gutta believes the discipline still does not receive the attention it deserves.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cNobody is interested because they are just going about playing. They are not talking about how to improve the system,\u201d she said while discussing the current state of women\u2019s doubles in the country.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Gutta also opened up about the financial challenges of running a world-class badminton academy without institutional backing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMy academy in Hyderabad is one of the biggest academies in the country. I have 14 courts spread across 50,000 square feet and I built it all alone. Still, I am not getting support,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Asked whether she had approached the Sports Ministry for assistance, Gutta admitted she had initially tried, but believes her image within the establishment works against her.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI did initially, but their attitude is not that great. I\u2019m infamous,\u201d she claimed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former India star further argued that Indian sport often rewards image management and diplomacy over honesty and directness, especially in the case of women athletes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMy duty is just to play badminton. That\u2019s my straightforwardness. That\u2019s why people talk to me, because I am straightforward. I will not hide and do things, and I will not bullshit anybody. If I say I\u2019m straightforward, it becomes controversial. There is a difference between a man and a woman. If I say it, it becomes controversial, and people don\u2019t like it,\u201d Gutta opined.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She also expressed disappointment over not receiving the Padma Shri despite what she believes are significant contributions to Indian badminton. According to Gutta, public image and PR often overshadow sporting merit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI did not get my Padma Shri. If I send you my achievements, you will be shocked that I did not get a Padma Shri. Why am I not getting a Padma Shri? Because I didn\u2019t do PR, I didn\u2019t cry about poverty and struggle even though I went through all of it. I worked hard, I trained for 10 hours, but no one believes it because of the way I look,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Born to a Chinese mother and a Telugu father, Gutta added that societal perceptions surrounding appearance often shape how female athletes are viewed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIf I like to colour my hair and have pedicures and manicures, it translates to me not being a serious athlete. This is not my fault, but it is true. As a player, where did I lack in my career? If someone knows doubles in India, to be very frank, that is because of me; otherwise, no one would know it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSo what respect and acknowledgement have I received \u2014 even from the government? Forget the association, leave it. I am talking about the government. Why does this government want to ignore me? I don\u2019t know,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIf I like to colour my hair and have pedicures and manicures, it translates to me not being a serious athlete. This is not my fault, but it is true. As a player, where did I lack in my career? If someone knows doubles in India, to be very frank, that is because of me; otherwise, no one would know it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe came from a generation where we believed everything else would fall into place if you performed well. My duty was just to play good badminton. I didn\u2019t know PR was that important. Had I known, I would have danced to songs and made reels,\u201d Gutta stated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n