The Gopichand Academy continued its winning streak, with four of its players clinching the winners and runners-up titles in the Singapore Open Super Series and Jaya Raya International Junior Grand Prix at Jakarta respectively. Gopichand’s daughter Gayatri was one of the winners. Naturally, Pullela Gopichand is one pleased coach (and father). Excerpts from a chat with the former shuttler.
Q What does the success mean to you?
It means a lot. To have two players in the finals in two different tournaments is a great achievement. Players like Srikanth, Sameer, Ajay Jayram, etc., have reached the finals earlier, but two players from India competing against one another is very special. We are very happy and proud to see them shine at the international level. We have a great talent pool and a great future; this tourney win is a testimony. Badminton has now reached the next generation where parents are encouraging their children to play the sport.
(Left to Right) Coaches Anil Kumar, Muliyando, Amrish and Rajendra Kumar.
Q Sai Praneeth and Srikanth are from the same Academy!
Both played superbly in their respective semi-final games and were geared up for the final. To be honest, it didn’t matter who won because the title belongs to our country. So I wasn’t too interested about the winner in the finals (smiles).
Kidambi Srikanth and Sai Praneeth
Q Shining girls — Gayatri and Samiya
It’s great to see women coming up with such top performances. It’s also a good sign that there is a younger generation of players coming up. Competing against the likes of countries like South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, etc., is challenging, but it’s good to see our players coming out victorious. It only means that we have a good future because there are a few more girls in the Under-16 category as well. Lots to hope for in the upcoming years.
It’s also a good sign that there is a younger generation of players coming up.
Q Your Academy is consistently producing winners...
Spending a lot of time here gives you an insight into the preparation. Players train and work hard here. There’s no substitute to hard work and you need to be disciplined. Our training programmes are distinctive, and the coaches at the academy are very knowledgeable and empathetic. Everyone is working hard and it is not going to be easy. We made a good beginning and as time progresses, I’m hopeful that we get even better.
