‘Maybe it’s my destiny to be the eternal fighter’

So when the 32-year-old says he’s given a lot to the game,it’s no conceit. “I’ve been resisting the Asians for so many years,it now feels a natural thing to do. Now I’d like to help European youngsters to take up the clash against them,” he adds,even as he gives himself a year,at best two,to take a shot at the elusive World Championship title.

Still working hard

“The Asians are very strong,but it’s possible with guts and hard work. The fact that I can still beat the Chinese means I’m still practising and working hard,and as long as I can do that I’ll play for yet another year,” he says. The next worlds in Paris,though,might make this one in Hyderabad his last big outing in Asia.

In what is a landmine of a top-half of the draw,Gade faces a cracker of a quarter-final prospect against Lin Dan. While it appears distant — he meets the booming Japanese Sho Sasaki in the next round having easily won the opener — but Gade maintains he’s ready for all bazookas firing at him. “I respect Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei as the world’s best,but on a good day I know I still have it in me to beat them. I’ve proven I can rise to the occasion,” he stresses.

Together with the Chinese duo and Taufik Hidayat,Gade forms the luminous quartet of badminton,though he sees gaping holes when they leave the game. “In 3-4 years’ time,somebody will have to step up to that stature for the benefit of the game,” he says. His own struggle has been for nothing more than his legions of fans,since money and financial rewards have never counted for much in his sport. Continental pride has.

Connecting with fans

Not that his smooth style of movement and his pledge to carry forward the Danish repute for deception — flicks and drops — have been missed by fans in Asia who’re increasingly bombarded with stars playing the flatter,speedier and monotonous game. “I like connecting with fans from all over,” he says,adding that he still pines for a second All England.

There’s also the French Super Series — an event which has grown in stature and provides a hop across for the Danish fans. But India’s held him back this time,despite the worrying return of the English shuttlers post a terror-threat rumour. “I didn’t worry about it really. Besides I love the food here very much. It would’ve been a shame to return,” he says light-heartedly.