Common wealth of talent keeps tricolour flying at full mast

But the shy Abhinn downplays his role. “It was a team effort. I think our preparations at the camp were good. Gopi, Nikhil, everyone played well. It was a great feeling, to wear the silver medal, the first medal the country has won in badminton after 16 years,” Abhinn told The Indian Express today. He was in Mumbai to attend the Air-India camp for the zonal championship, commencing at Delhi on September 28.

That India won despite not being seeded in the draw makes the win more cherishing.

“We were in the same group as Scotland, who were seeded. Yetwe beat them. We had the crowd support because we were Asians. The entire trip was memorable, staying in the village, getting the medals from the Malaysian Prime Minister….it was all new for me. I was excited. The exposure was good for all of us,” Abhinn says.

Now Abhinn has his eyes set on the local circuit. The weak tendon in his right ankle, of course, worries him. Abhinn had to pull out of the Thomas Cup qualifiers earlier this year due to a knee injury. “My ankle began to ache during the camp for the Games. I have consulted a doctor here and he has advised two to three weeks rest.” He cannot afford to relax, though.

His performance in the circuit has been indifferent of late, and that is at the back of his mind. “I almost did not make it to the Commonwealth squad." My victory against Ajit Wijetilek at the Hyderabad Grand Prix saw me through. After that I lost to Sachin (Ratti) at Chennai in the quarters and to Mangrish (Palekar) at Bangalore in the semis. I want to steady my game now.”

Headmitted that the local circuit had become tougher, with most matches from the quarter-final stage running close. “Because of the cash prizes, everyone’s working harder. There are also more tournaments. I must work on my fitness if I have to stay at the top.”