Chance for youngsters to shine in mixed doubles

As Sawant and Chopda are the current national champions,they will be expected to get the nod over Balan and Vishnu and the pair are excited at the prospect. This is a real big opportunity for me to go there and play against the top players. Thailand and Chinese Taipei have strong teams but they not unbeatable, Chopda said.

The duo will be riding on the confidence of The India Open Super Series,their first major event,where they managed to take a set off the tough Indonesian pairing of Muhammad Rijal and Debby Susanto World No 12 in the pre-quarterfinals. The team will play Chinese Taipei in the first league round and Thailand in the next.

The Indian pair will be wary of Thailand,with World No.5 Saralee Thungthongkam/Sudket Prapakamol playing the main match and World No.15 Kunchala Voravichitchaikul/Songphon Anugritayawon in reserve.

Former World No 6 in the mixed doubles category,Diju shares Gopichands opinion that Indias mixed doubles has a bright future. They lack tournament experience but they have the potential to improve, said Diju.