Were you surprised when the Khel Ratna award was announced?
Honestly, I was expecting it. I’ve had a successful year. I will not deny it had crossed my mind that I could be one of the frontrunners for the award. It is a great motivation for a sportsman to win it. The recognition makes you want to do better.
What of shooter Gagan Narang’s comment that the award has been given based on popular perception?
I think this perception is unfair. They haven’t seen that I have won three Super Series events, risen to number two from number six, which is very tough. Shooting has had its winners in the past, but in badminton no one has achieved so much. It is not a boast, but winning three Super Series, where even one is so tough, is not easy.