“My long-term goal is to become the world number one player.”

Whoever plays well on a given day, that player wins.

I was 18 when I was presented with the Arjuna Award. To say it feels really good would be an understatement. But I don’t know how else to convey the feeling. I am grateful for having received this prestigious award at such a young age.

Sometimes you don’t play up to the mark, and you win even then.

Since the Rio Olympics, the expectations are always high, and the responsibilities are also high. I am used to it now. You have to keep going and keep working hard.

While there are many good courts in the country, we need to have good coaches for more players to come up. Not everyone can go to Gopichand Academy, and everyone cannot afford international tournaments.

I think judging a shuttle is different everywhere, so there is a drift, but you have to be used to it. We can’t complain, as I think it is same for all.

You win some and lose some. It’s all part of the game. You have to take it in a very positive way.

I think you can never be a complete player.

I think each player has a different style of play, and every match is different.

Definitely, the aim is to become No.1.

You have to keep on learning all the time unless and until you become perfect in all the strokes.

There are many defining moments in my journey.

Each tournament is different.

Every time I go on to the court, people expect me to get a medal. It is tough, and I can’t win always, but I still have to go out there and give my best.

I have a lot of hunger to win the big titles.

Many players are of the same standard; it all depends on how your strokes land on the other side of court.

Make a wish with all your heart and chase every dream you have. Only you can reach your goals. No one else can achieve them for you.

Do not lower your goals to the level of your abilities. Instead, raise your abilities to the height of your goals.

Some give up their designs when they have almost reached the goal; while others, on the contrary, obtain a victory by exerting, at the last moment, more vigorous efforts than ever before.

Success only breeds a new goal

The victory of success is half won when one gains the habit of setting goals and achieving them. Even the most tedious chore will become endurable as you parade through each day convinced that every task, no matter how menial or boring, brings you closer to achieving your dreams.

That’s my only goal. Surround myself with funny people, and make sure everyone has a good time and works hard.

I am doomed to an eternity of compulsive work. No set goal achieved satisfies. Success only breeds a new goal. The golden apple devoured has seeds. It is endless.

That’s my only goal. Surround myself with funny people, and make sure everyone has a good time and works hard.