A shoulder injury in 2014 that had kept him out of action for more than six months came as a blessing in disguise for shuttler Ajay Jayaram. He not only returned stronger — both mentally and physically — but learnt to “keep fighting”, fetching himself some big wins in major tournaments last year.
“I am mentally tougher now, I guess I have faced a lot of challenges,” said Jayaram. “Getting back into action after the injury lay-off was difficult initially. But it made me realise that life is going to throw bigger challenges and the best way to go about is to keep fighting,” added the Mumbai-born shuttler, who reached the final of the Korea Open Super Series before defending his Dutch Open title last year.
Though the Olympics are looming, Jayaram said he was not losing sleep over qualification. Rather, he was focused on doing well in every tournament which would help him improve his rankings. Ranked 21st currently, Jayaram has three Indians above him — K. Srikanth (9), Parupalli Kashyap (15) and H.S. Prannoy (20).
In 2012, Jayaram had all but sealed a spot for the London Olympics but a last-minute pullout from the India Open Super Series earned Kashyap the berth over him.
“I am trying to focus on every tournament and not thinking too much just about Rio. Yes, it is difficult to keep it completely out of mind but taking one tournament at a time and getting better and consistent results is the right way to look at it. The best part is this time I have better results behind me,” Jayaram insists.
“I am looking forward to All England in March. If I get a streak like the one I got in the Korea Open I can actually end up with a podium finish. It has been a long time dream and the biggest goal.”
Jayaram admitted that training under coach Tom John since 2010 had helped him become “more aggressive” on court.
“I was more a defensive player before, now I am quicker and little more aggressive. That has given me good results. I have been consistent in longer rallies and patient on court,” Jayaram added.
Speaking about his new-look hairstyle in sync with his aggressive style of game, he said: “I always wanted to grow my hair but never got an opportunity. So, I felt it’s better late than never. I got it after the Korea Open. And I think it’s kind of lucky for me.”
Having pulled off wins in all his matches in the PBL so far, the Delhi Acers player said: “It should put me in good shape for the Malaysia GP and India GP next. I hope this is not the peak for me, it is yet to come. My expectations are higher, but I guess I am peaking at the right time.”
