Hope we can double our medals tally at Rio: Prakash Padukone

Mumbai: Badminton ace Prakash Padukone expressed optimism today that India could double its 2012 medals tally of six at the upcoming Rio Olympic Games.

"I hope we double our London tally. Last time we got six medals. We can double that this time," said Prakash at the Star Sports media conference to announce the channel's plans for covering the August 5-21 mega event for Indian viewers.

Prakash, roped in as an expert commentator for the Games by the channel, felt the country's shuttlers could return with a better haul this time around.

"Seven badminton players have qualified for the Games. We have big hopes on Saina (Nehwal), who has recently won the Australian Open, and (P V) Sindhu as well as the women's doubles teams (Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa). K Srikanth is getting into form. We can expect some good results," said the former All England singles champion.

Reiterating his oft-mentioned view, Prakash, who is co-founder of the not for profit Olympic Gold Quest, said it was important to be at their best during the event.

"It does not matter what you do the previous week or the week after. That one week (period) you have to be at your peak," he added.

Badminton events at the Rio Olympics are scheduled from August 11-20.