Shuttling for an Indian connection

“It was easier reaching the top in England, because there aren’t too many players pursuing singles, it’s mostly doubles there. For me, the hard work begins now,” laughs the strapping shuttler, playing at the Tata Open, his first tournament in India. “I wanted to train with Padukone because his style suits my kind of game better,” Ouseph says, adding that India holds the advantage of a greater depth than England in terms of singles players.

“There is also so much more variety among players,” he says, having raised expectations after winning the European Junior Championship three seasons ago.

A poker-faced player on court, Ouseph’s laidback demeanour is quite deceptive. Those training with him would endorse that the 6’2” tall shuttler isn’t as slow as he appears. Ouseph himself admits that what makes up for his seemingly unhassled movements on court is his keen reading of the game.

But it is Tom John, coach to India’s Anup Sridhar, who played mentor in his developing years. In what is turning out to be a winning blend, he is benefitting from the excellent fitness base built up in Europe, while his Asian roots fetch him friends always willing to lend a helping hand.

The Tata Open is a test event to try out techniques he has learnt over the last few days here. Qualifying for the world championship, and peaking up to the 2012 London Olympics are his goals, and the Indian eye eventually gets accustomed to not wondering about the Asian face and the corresponding playing shirt, reading OUSEPH ENGLAND.

Rajiv even announces his alarm over the rampaging rains that are hitting Mumbai’s Marine Drive. Clearly, this lad grew up far away from Kerala.