Shuttler Parupalli Kashyap's retirement plan includes full-time coaching
The player however added that as of now he wants to focus on the Tokyo Olympics.
By PTI |
BCCL
At 32 now, Kashyap is drawing inspiration from the tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to make a comeback.
NEW DELHI: A constant presence at the coach's chair during wife Saina Nehwal's matches, Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap says he is eager to take up full time coaching once he retires from the game.
But, he said retirement is the last thing he is thinking right now.
A former world number 6, Kashyap has set a target of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, though many would feel a tough task for him.
Currently ranked at 55, Kashyap - a 2014 Commonwealth Games champion - has not reached a semifinal of a top-tier tournament (Super series or Super 500) in close to four years.
Parupalli Kashyap and Saina Nehwal at an event in Mumbai. He reached the 2017 US Open Grand Prix Gold final and also won the Austrian Open International challenge in 2018.
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"I enjoy coaching and would love to take it forward in future," Kashyap said after recording his fourth win, a sublime 21-11, 21-13 triumph, over Thailand's Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk to enter the quarterfinals of India Open here.
"But I am not done yet (as a player). I want to perform this year and make it to the Olympics again. So, don't count me out of Olympics. I want to be in contention of a medal and not just participate," said the Hyderabadi, who had reached the quarterfinals at London Olympics.
Saina-Parupalli Dazzle In Blue: Badminton Stars Shake A Leg; Kalyaan Dhev, Mum-To-Be Wife Sreeja Attend
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Ace shuttlers Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap hosted a reception party in Hyderabad on Sunday after exchanging vows on Friday.
Unlike their wedding, this was a grand celebration that saw badminton players, film-stars from Tollywood and several politicians in attendance.
Here's a look at the guest list.
Ace shuttlers Saina Nehwal and Parupalli Kashyap hosted a reception party in Hyderabad on Sunday after exchanging vows on Friday.Unlike their wedding, this was a grand celebration that saw badminton ..
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Shuttler Ashwini Ponnappa (second left) shared a happy, surprised picture with fellow badminton player Prannoy H S (left), captioning it - 'craziest dancer in the house'.
Further, Harsheel Dani (second right), who represented India at the BWF World Junior Championships, had a fan moment at the party with Padma Shri awardee and Olympian Srikanth Kidambi.
Shuttler Ashwini Ponnappa (second left) shared a happy, surprised picture with fellow badminton player Prannoy H S (left), captioning it - 'craziest dancer in the house'.Further, Harsheel Dani (secon..
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It was a reunion for the couple's close friends and ace badminton players who attended the party on Sunday.
(L-R) 2018 Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Pranaav Jerry Chopra, 2014 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist RMV Gurusai Dutt, professional badminton player Sai Praneeth and Arjuna awardee Srikanth Kidambi
It was a reunion for the couple's close friends and ace badminton players who attended the party on Sunday.(L-R) 2018 Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Pranaav Jerry Chopra, 2014 Commonwealth Games b..
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Actor Kalyaan Dhev (right) arrived with his wife Sreeja (left) for the grand reception.
While Chiranjeevi's son-in-law opted for a grey kurta with an asymmetric cut, the mom-to be flaunted her baby bump in a peach, off-shoulder gown.
Actor Kalyaan Dhev (right) arrived with his wife Sreeja (left) for the grand reception.While Chiranjeevi's son-in-law opted for a grey kurta with an asymmetric cut, the mom-to be flaunted her baby bu..
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The couple and fellow badminton player RMV Gurusaidutt (right in first pic) have been best friends for over 18 years. The 28-year-old shuttler was by the newly-weds' side throughout the wedding celebrations.
In the second pic, Dutt's parents - RMV Bharadwaj (in beige safari suit) and RM Anjana (in blue saree) posed with son and the happy couple.
The couple and fellow badminton player RMV Gurusaidutt (right in first pic) have been best friends for over 18 years. The 28-year-old shuttler was by the newly-weds' side throughout the wedding celeb..
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Arjuna Awardee Jwala Gutta was a vision in a red, embellished lehenga. The two-time Olympian also posted an Insta Story with Telugu actor Lakshmi Manchu (centre).
Arjuna Awardee Jwala Gutta was a vision in a red, embellished lehenga. The two-time Olympian also posted an Insta Story with Telugu actor Lakshmi Manchu (centre).
Commonwealth Games 2018 gold-medallist Ashwini Ponnappa (right) attended the Saina-Parupalli reception with businessman husband Karan Medappa (left).
Commonwealth Games 2018 gold-medallist Ashwini Ponnappa (right) attended the Saina-Parupalli reception with businessman husband Karan Medappa (left).
The bride opted for a rich indigo, velvet lehenga, intricately embroidered with zardosi, appliqué, pearls and crystals. The 28-year-old Padma Shri awardee completed the look with a set from Sabyasachi Heritage Jewelry collection which was crafted with Burmese rubies, uncut diamonds and emeralds.
The bride opted for a rich indigo, velvet lehenga, intricately embroidered with zardosi, appliqué, pearls and crystals. The 28-year-old Padma Shri awardee completed the look with a set from Sabyasach..
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Complimenting his bride, the Commonwealth Games gold medallist Parupalli Kashyap opted for a quilted, indigo sherwani in hand-dyed Murshidabad silk, accessorised with hand-crafted Bengal tiger buttons. To complete his look, the 30-year-old groom wore an uncut diamond and pearl necklace from Sabyasachi Heritage Jewelry collection.
Complimenting his bride, the Commonwealth Games gold medallist Parupalli Kashyap opted for a quilted, indigo sherwani in hand-dyed Murshidabad silk, accessorised with hand-crafted Bengal tiger button..
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Hyderabad-based Vilas Nayak, who is also a world-renowned speed painter, attended the party and posted a picture with the couple on Instagram.
Hyderabad-based Vilas Nayak, who is also a world-renowned speed painter, attended the party and posted a picture with the couple on Instagram.
In 2015, Kashyap was inside top 10 before a series of injuries - knee, shoulder, hamstring, shin, back, abdomen - saw his ranking slip and his fortunes dwindle.
At 32 now, Kashyap is drawing inspiration from the tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to make a comeback.
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Roger Federer (L) and Rafael Nadal (R). "It is tough because I've been No.1 from my country for a long time. Missing Olympics (2016) was a big drawback for me. I want to give my best and prove myself. I think I have the game and experience, but it's just about my body being all right for the next few months," he said.
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"Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei have been competitive in the mid 30s and have not retired. And we have seen how Federer and Nadal have been able to make comebacks despite injuries."
Kashyap no more plays with a strapped shoulder but if he has to come up the ranks, his body has to support him.
"I'm still struggling with my fitness. I can't lie about it. I have been playing a lot of tournaments. Post injury, 2016 and 2017 were very hard. Even in 2018, I wasn't getting any kind of rhythm. I am struggling," he said.
"There were two stints where I missed tournaments and practice because of a shin fracture and back pain. I am still struggling."
