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`Twin'kling stars
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The twins from Coimbatore have a psychological advantage over their opponents, writes Rayan Rozario
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PHOTO K. ANANTHAN
SISTER ACT Ramaprabha and Lakshmipriya
When this pair steps onto the court it's danger time for the opponents. Ramaprabha and Lakshmipriya, the twins from Coimbatore recently clinched the under-19 doubles title in the Bank of India sponsored junior State badminton tournament at Krishnagiri.
Secret behind the success
This is not their first triumph. They have won many a battle before, and with relative ease.
What's the secret?
"We play our natural game. No copybook styles. The big edge is, we play the mind game better than the power, and that's because of our relationship," says Ramaprabha.
The duo has been playing together for almost four years now.
A learning experience
They have won several district championships and have represented their State in the junior nationals at Kozhikode last year.
"We were playing on synthetic courts for the first time and found our movements going wrong. It was quite frustrating at the start, nevertheless it was a great experience," says Lakshmipriya, a sound player at the net.
In love with doubles
The siblings, who are graduating to the senior class this year, are also good at singles. "We have played many singles matches but doubles remain our first love," she adds.
The engineering students from the Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College at Vattamalapalayam say the only time they had changed partners was during club matches and mixed doubles events.
"We found it hard to gel well with any other partner. The difference clearly showed," says Ramaprabha.
"We are truly gifted to be together because even the highest level of players struggle to find partners," she adds.
Before badminton happened the twins were good athletes.
"I was more into short sprints, while my sister excelled in long distance running. In fact, we used to compete with each other for the overall championship. It was always a close affair," says Ramaprabha, who is strong at the backcourt.
Taskmaster dad
The terrific combo, says their father (R. Venkatachalam), is a great source of inspiration. "Daddy is our coach but, mind you, life is not exactly rosy for us at the courts. He is a real taskmaster. He doesn't allow us to relax and also does not comprise much during match plays," says Lakshmipriya but quickly adds: "We are happy to have him as our coach."
Venkatachalam admits to being strict with his children. "There have been times when I felt I shouldn't have been so harsh, but then I wanted them to climb the ladder of success."
He says he is able to concentrate on his children individually.
All for the game
"That's because they show the interest. They often give up other entertainment for the sheer sake of badminton. They are also good in academics."
He reveals that when the twins were born, many had said it would be a difficult journey for the family. "My children proved them wrong. In fact, I am proud of them and their exploits at the courts.
An international medal
The duo aims to double his pride by winning an international medal for the country. Is it possible? "The word impossible is not in our dictionary," they chorus.
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