#TFGinterview: Aim to enter top 20 by December 2017; happy to be in the same team as Axelsen, says Ruthvika

RUTHVIKA GADDE, every Indian badminton fan needs to take note of this 19-year-old shuttler as she is one the reason why future of women's singles looks bright.

Though 2016 was all about PV Sindhu, Ruthvika too had her share of highs.

Describing her year, she said, 

"It has been a great year for me. Some ups and downs but I guess that's part of every sports persons' life. But overall, yes it has surely been a good year for me."

The highlight of her season was winning her first Grand Prix title in Russia and she holds it very close to her heart,

"Russian Grand Prix will always be special for me because it's my first GP title and I needed that win just for my assure myself that yes I have arrived into the competitive circuit at the international level."

Before her GP success, she caught everyone's attention especially the fans in India when she won Gold at the South Asian Games defeating Sindhu in the finals. Reminiscing the match, Ruthvika said, 

"We've train together and sometimes play against each other while training but it's completely different when you play them in a tournament. In a tournament, I don't whom I'll be playing but nonetheless I have to give my best."

There has been immense growth in Ruthvika's performance and that has shown in her rankings. She reached her career best ranking of 49 early December (at present she is No. 59). When asked what her aim for 2017 will be, she sounded very determined, 

"My target would be entering the top 20 by end of December 2017. For that I need to give my best which I'll try and do in every tournament I play... I have to give my best. I hope to do that. Not targeting any single event, just focusing on doing well wherever I play."

Talking about her expectations from Premier Badminton League, she said, 

"It's definitely going to a fantastic start to the year. It's a great opportunity for all the youngsters who are part of it and the entire nation will be watching us play. And when we get to play, we need to give our 100%  and be the best on court."

Describing her first stint with Mumbai Rockets in the first edition of PBL, she replied, 

"I was very nervous. I wasn't part of IBL (Indian Badminton League) so I was really nervous since it was my first time in the league."

The first edition of PBL saw a good fight between Ruthvika and Vrushali who was part of a thrilling match which kept the fans on their edge of the seats. Asked if she looks forward for something similar this time, she said, 

"(Smiles) Well there's Sung Ji Hyun in their team who is more likely to take over the women's singles slot so I see little chance of us playing against each other."

There's another compatriot playing in the league, Rituparna Das against whom Ruthvika ended as runners-up at the India International Series. Describing the rivalry between her, Ruthvika said, 

"Most of the tournaments I've played, always ended playing Rituparna in the finals or the knockouts. There has many instances of us coming against each other. The result has been 50-50 chances for both of us. If I get a chance to play her in PBL, hope to give my best and win the points for the team."

Ruthvika will be playing for Bengaluru Blasters and the star attraction in the team is Olympic Bronze medallist Viktor Axelsen. Asked to describe how she looks forward to being part of the team, she said, 

"Viktor is a top class shuttler among the men singles and has accolades to his name of the highest honour so really excited and looking forward to sharing the same dressing room... it's not just him, we have class and talented shuttlers in other categories too which makes the team look strong."

So what does Ruthvika expect from Bengaluru?

"We have a very good team and of course the other teams in the league are equally good and strong. We just need to give our best on that given day. At the moment, it is the only league for badminton in the country and so really looking forward to being part of it for the second time."

There are a number of star shuttlers from India and overseas that the fans are waiting to watch them in action. Ruthvika too mentioned a match that she is excited to watch. It's not just her but all Indian badminton fans are eagerly waiting to watch this particular clash, 

"It's definitely the Sindhu vs Marin clash just like everyone, I'm too waiting to watch it. It's also first match that'll take place so really looking forward to it."

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