Get to know the amazing Jwala Gutta, a retired Indian badminton champion. Discover her incredible career, personal life, and achievements.
Wiki/Biography
Jwala Gutta was born on Wednesday, September 7, 1983 (age 40 as of 2023), in Wardha, Maharashtra. Her family later moved to Hyderabad, Telangana. Her astrological sign is Virgo. At just four years old, her father introduced her to badminton coach S.M. Arif. Interestingly, before starting badminton, Arif suggested she learn gymnastics and swimming first. She then trained under Arif at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium.
Physical Appearance
• Height (approx.): 5’10”
• Hair Colour: Brown
• Eye Colour: Dark Brown
Family & Caste
Jwala Gutta identifies as an atheist. She was born to a Telugu father, Kranti Gutta, and a Chinese mother, Yelan Gutta. Her father’s family were freedom fighters and leftists from Peddapuliveru in Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur district. Her mother is the granddaughter of a Gandhian named Tseng. Jwala has a younger sister, Insi Gutta.
Relationships and Husband
Jwala’s first marriage was to badminton player Chetan Anand on July 17, 2005. They divorced on June 29, 2011, due to personal reasons. She was later linked to former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin and Tamil actor Vishnu Vishal. She got engaged to Vishnu Vishal on September 6, 2020, and they married in a private ceremony in Hyderabad on April 22, 2021.
Career
Jwala’s badminton journey began at age six. She won the Under-13 Girls Mini National Badminton Championship in Thrissur, Kerala. At 17, she secured the Junior National Badminton Championship. With Shruti Kurien, she won the Women’s Doubles Junior and Senior National Championships, maintaining their dominant partnership for seven consecutive years (2002-2008) winning the Women’s Doubles National title. They eventually parted ways due to compatibility issues.
Her partnership with Ashwini Ponnappa brought India’s first gold medal in women’s doubles at the 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth Games. This propelled her to national fame. In mixed doubles with Diju, they achieved a world ranking of No. 6, a first for an Indian doubles pair. Despite her many achievements, she didn’t win an Olympic medal. Jwala’s career spanned a remarkable number of international tournaments with significant success.
Controversies
Jwala’s outspoken nature has led to several controversies. One involved her criticism of the lack of sports mention in a Union Budget. Another involved clashes with the chief national coach, P. Gopichand. She also faced a lifetime ban from the IBL for an incident involving player participation.
Awards & Achievements
Jwala’s impressive achievements include:
| Award/Achievement | Year |
|---|---|
| 14-time winner of the National Badminton Championship (Women’s Doubles) | Various |
| Commonwealth Games Gold Medal (Women’s Doubles) | 2010 |
| BWF World Championships Bronze Medal | 2011 |
| Arjuna Award | 2011 |
| Commonwealth Games Silver Medal | 2014 |
| Thomas & Uber Cup Bronze Medal | 2014 |
| Badminton Asia Championships Bronze Medal | 2014 |
Favourite Things
• Food: Chaat, Chinese Cuisine, Sushi
• Actor: Shah Rukh Khan
• Actress: Kangana Ranaut
• Destination: Hyderabad
Facts/Trivia
• Hobbies: Driving and shopping
• Diet: Non-vegetarian
• Initially aspired to be a tennis player
• Only Indian shuttler to qualify for two different Olympic events
• Avid dog lover (pet pug, Tyson)
• Has “Love All” tattoo
• Featured on HT Brunch Magazine cover
• Acted in the Telugu film “Gunde Jaari Gallanthayyinde”
• Left-handed, aggressive playing style
• Actively involved in social causes (women empowerment, anti-tobacco, anti-zoo campaigns, Ice Bucket Challenge, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan)
• Launched “Shuttle Express,” an IBL school program.
