New Delhi: A constant presence at the coach’s chair during wife Saina Nehwal’s matches, Indian shuttler Parupalli Kashyap says he is eager to take up full time coaching once he retires from the game. But, he said retirement is the last thing he is thinking right now.
A former world number 6, Kashyap has set a target of qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics, though many would feel a tough task for him. Currently ranked at 55, Kashyap — a 2014 Commonwealth Games champion — has not reached a semifinal of a top-tier tournament (Super series or Super 500) in close to four years. He reached the 2017 US Open Grand Prix Gold final and also won the Austrian Open International challenge in 2018.
“I enjoy coaching and would love to take it forward in future,” Kashyap said after recording his fourth win, a sublime 21-11, 21-13 triumph, over Thailand’s Tanongsak Saensomboonsuk to enter the quarterfinals of India Open here.
“But I am not done yet (as a player). I want to perform this year and make it to the Olympics again. So, don’t count me out of Olympics. I want to be in contention of a medal and not just participate,” said the Hyderabadi, who had reached the quarterfinals at London Olympics.
At 32 now, Kashyap is drawing inspiration from the tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to make a comeback. “It is tough because I’ve been No.1 from my country for a long time. Missing Olympics (2016) was a big drawback for me. I want to give my best and prove myself,” he added.