Playing doubles is my strength: Bisht

So far,he has trained under his parents Vikram and Madhumita Bisht,both former national champions,who insist that their son should concentrate on singles till he shifts base to Bangalore. “My mother keeps insisting that I focus primarily on singles but I know I have potential as a doubles player. But since I got into the game a bit later than many other players of my age and have played only for six years,I believe they have their own logic to make me an improved player,” says the 18-year old.

Bisht boasts a promising record. To start with,he got hold of the Delhi State championships last October in the U-19 category followed by a bronze in the team championships of the School Nationals held at Chandigarh in January. He also bagged a silver in the same tournament playing in the individual category.

“I am an aggressive player relying more on shots and very less on my defence. In doubles,this helps me succeed alongside a more defensive partner,and we can combine naturally. But this generally doesn’t work out in singles since you have to keep a close eye on your opponent’s game. You need to be good in every department while playing singles,” says Bisht,a student of Hansraj College.

This year’s state championships,however,proved a difficult phase in the 18-year old shuttler’s career. Despite being ruled out by an injury,the top seed still couldn’t resist going to the venue to watch others win what might have been his. But he had some respite,since the championships weren’t a parameter to decide the rankings for North Zone selection,which means he has time at his disposal to recover and prepare for the upcoming Delhi State (phase two),which begins on September 9. “Had I been playing,the final results would have been very different,” he says. “But I can do nothing about it other than waiting for the next tournament. I am recovering well and hope to find a place in the North Zone team that gets selected from the upcoming State event,” says Bisht.

And when it comes to returning to the Padukone Academy,Bisht is quick to reply. “Immediately after the next tournament is over,” he says. “I have my tickets booked.”