“There were many struggles, but my parents supported me a lot. Whenever I wanted anything, wherever I wanted to go, practice session etc., they were there for me.”

Be it ‘Mary Kom,’ ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,’ or ‘Dangal,’ each one was inspiring in its own way. But my favourite is ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.’

I think the coaches have to play a big role in the players’ development.

When you are injured, you need to strengthen yourself very well to make a comeback very confidently.

It is never the case that I will push myself more for the World Championships and play differently in a Super Series or vice-versa.

Ups and downs will be happening; coming to the final and losing by a point or so should not matter.

There is always scrutiny and pressure from the media. I am always told that I have to win.

I should not think that I have to win every match and what others will think; that will create extra pressure. I just have to give best on court.

I would love to act in a film if it is based on my life. But then it all depends on who is making it and how much time it would require for me to shoot.

I consider the All England as like any normal super series tournament.

The Olympic medal gave me a lot of confidence, and I went and won my first Super Series in Hong Kong. So in that regards, what Rio did was give me extra motivation and the confidence that now anything can happen.

I put the good playing and game first, and money, prizes are secondary.

I just can’t do without music.

We can’t play if we are ill or not completely fit.

I have no tension. I only play to give my best.

When I started, I didn’t think I would become a great player. It was my passion; I had interest. My parents supported me. In that way, I continued.

Life has changed both on and off the court after the Rio Olympics medal. I have a lot of confidence on the court now and feel anything is possible. I also feel that I have improved my game. Off the court, I do get recognised more now.

I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.

We believed in our idea – a family park where parents and children could have fun- together.

Children begin by loving their parents; as they grow older they judge them; sometimes they forgive them.

Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime.

It is time for parents to teach young people early on that in diversity there is beauty and there is strength.

To lose one parent, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.

Love begins by taking care of the closest ones – the ones at home.

Compassion for our parents is the true sign of maturity.