New Delhi: Indian men's doubles pair MR Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan made a great start in the opening round of the BWF World Championships. However, an even bigger emotional moment for Arjun than this victory was the presence of his parents and wife in the stadium.
Arjun told after the match that his parents reached the stadium to see him play live after about 13 years. For him this moment was no less special than a victory.
Father took care of me from the age of 8
Arjun told that when he was about eight years old, his father used to take him to junior competitions held across the country. Later he felt that it was better for him to play and travel alone.
However, even after this his father did not distance himself from his sport. He kept watching Arjun's matches and keeping an eye on his performance. According to Arjun, after the match when his father tells that he has seen the match, it is always a special feeling for him.
Home audience gave extra enthusiasm
Indian players got tremendous support from the home crowd at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. Arjun and Hariharan did not expect such a large number of spectators to reach the first round.
Arjun told that as soon as his name was announced, loud cheering started in the stadium. This gave extra energy and confidence to both the players.
Hariharan also admitted that when he was lagging behind in the match, the noise of the audience encouraged him and helped him maintain confidence.
Early lead in the first game became the key to victory
The Arjun-Hariharan pair made a good start in the match against Ireland's Scott Gildea and Paul Reynolds. The Indian pair won the first game 21-16.
According to Arjun, it was very important to score the first few points in the opening match of the World Championship. He admitted that if there had been pressure in the beginning, the match could have been difficult.
In the second game, the Indian pair was leading 6-4 when the Irish pair left the match due to injury. With this Arjun and Hariharan got victory in the first round.
The Indian pair was also prepared for the court conditions
Despite playing on home ground, Arjun found the court conditions similar to previous tournaments. He said that the team was already prepared for such situations.
According to Hariharan, there was no expected side drift on the court. The wind was blowing mainly from front to back and there was a difference in its speed at both ends.
The Indian pair would now like to move ahead in the World Championship with the confidence gained from this victory.
Also read: Cricket showed the way, now it's hockey's turn to create history!Navneet Kaur said- We will also win the World Cup