Jwala Gutta's father says his daughter is being targeted, family may complain to Sports Ministry
Jwala Gutta, who represented Delhi Smashers in the IBL, allegedly tried to stop some players of her franchise from playing a league match. As a result, the Badminton Association of India's disciplinary committee recommended a life ban on the top Indian doubles player.
A day after the Badminton Association of India (BAI) recommended a life ban on top Indian doubles shuttler Jwala Gutta, her father Kranti told reporters that his daughter had done no wrong and there was no reason for her to apologise.
A controversy had erupted during the August 25 tie of the inaugural Indian Badminton League when Delhi Smashers had threatened to pull out against Banga Beats over the last-minute replacement of injured singles player, Hu Yun of Hong Kong with Denmark's Jan Jorgensen.
"Why should Jwala apologise? She has not done anything wrong," said her father.
"IBL is a creation of the Badminton Association of India. Jwala is an icon player and she has reacted to what the team management has said."
As an icon player of Delhi Smashers, Jwala was involved in the whole matter, which was resolved after Banga Beats finally left out Jorgensen and played Arvind Bhat, who was already part of the team.
Jwala was then served a 14-day showcause notice by BAI for her conduct during the tie, which was delayed by half an hour.
"Jwala had replied to the notice, saying that 'it was a decision by the Delhi franchise and not an individual move. Owners asked me to act like that and there is nothing wrong on my part. I have been appointed as an icon player by Delhi and as a captain I acted'.
"But the BAI is not satisfied with her reply. Now it is upto Jwala, if she wants to apologise or keep quiet," a BAI official said yesterday.
Her father also said that it is unfair to target Jwala in such a manner and believes that many with selfish interests within India's baminton body have their own agenda.
"It is not correct to target Jwala like this, many with selfish interests are trying to target her."
The family may go as far as the Sports Ministry if necessary, he added.
"The Sports Ministry must cleanse the sport. Will talk to officials and the ministry if it becomes absolutely necessary."
The President of the BAI, Akhilesh Das Gupta, yesterday said that Jwala has been given seven days to clarify her position and respond to the issue. (Read)