Siddharth’consistency paid off — Arif

The National coach singled out Siddharth Jain, who won the French Open on Sunday, for praise. “Siddharth was consistent right through the tournament. His consistency paid off well. It gave him his maiden international title,” commented Arif.

Incidentally, Siddharth Jain did what national champion P Gopi Chand could not do. Gopi Chand, who had to skip the European tour becuase of ill health, was the runner-up last year at the French Open.

Arif was also impressed with the men’s doubles team’s showing. “It was hard luck for that Wijetilak had to be kept in the dressing rooms due to a viral fever, he said.

Arif and manager Ch Punnaiah Chowdary expressed their thanks on behalf of Badminton Association of India to the government for completely financing the teams’ expenses to the All-England and French Open championships.