“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.”

What hurts most is whenever I am leading, and then I lose the match, it is disappointing, and there are so many such matches.

It is hard to lose for everybody.

I love dressing up, and I’m aware that people do say that it can take your attention away from the game. But I disagree with this notion!

I was lucky to get good coaches and infrastructure that I needed. To become a champion, it is not just a few months’ practice: it takes years to make a champion.

It takes years of practice to become a World No. 1 or 2.

Every tournament is important for me.

I was at the Gopichand Academy since I was 10.

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

I didn’t think I would have an Olympic medal at 21, but I knew I would give my best and play my game. I just viewed it as my first Olympics and that I would take it one match at a time, but to bring a silver home made me very, very happy.

If it makes me happy, it definitely adds to my well-being.

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.

Since I’m the youngest in the family, I sulk when my parents deny me something, although I come around when they explain why it was denied.

Injuries are part of life. We can’t decide on that.

Against each player, I will give 100 per cent. I give my best in every game.

I prepare the same for every opponent.

Talking about world-class player, no player is easy to play at this level. Each player has a different style of play.

One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.

Let the world change you and you can change the world.

Think deeply on your future. Think lightly on your day, tread gently on your strife. The mind a season changing. Tomorrow could be summer, each day a new life.

When the coarctation of mind replaces the latitude of heart, then life is a battlefield between gone and unborn. The war between things you cannot change and things you cannot touch.

Never let the child inside you die.

If you really want to apologize to someone, then change your behavior. Thats the best apology.

I miss you dearly, as always. Regardless of when seasons change. My mind never truly feed. Memories of us both, keeping me chained.

Hate all you want that doesn’t change the fact I’m one of the hardest young niggas alive night now.