India has long celebrated its sports champions, showering them with accolades, government rewards, and sponsorship deals. The country lights up with pride when an athlete clinches an Olympic medal or a world championship title. Their names are etched in history, their journeys narrated as tales of grit and perseverance. However, beyond the glare of victory lies a sombre reality&mdash;one that remains largely ignored.
For every <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/neeraj-chopra">Neeraj Chopra</a>, PV Sindhu, or <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a>, there are thousands of athletes who never make it to the podium. Their dedication and sacrifices often go unnoticed, and once their sports careers reach a standstill, they are left stranded, uncertain of their future. This is the unspoken struggle that former badminton champion and renowned coach Pullela Gopichand seeks to address&mdash;a call for an exit strategy for athletes who do not make it to the elite level or those who must retire early.
<h2>The harsh reality</h2>
From the age of six or seven, many young athletes devote their lives to rigorous training. Their childhoods are shaped by the discipline of sports, their youth defined by the pursuit of excellence. They sacrifice academics, social lives, and often financial stability in pursuit of a dream that only a fraction can realise.
But what happens when that dream remains unfulfilled? What becomes of an athlete who, despite years of training and competition, falls short of national or international recognition? Even those who do achieve moderate success find themselves struggling once they exit the competitive scene.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/jos-buttler-steps-down-from-england-white-ball-captaincy-after-dismal-champions-trophy-2025-run-8766159">Jos Buttler steps down as England's white-ball captain after dismal Champions Trophy 2025 run</a>
Take the example of Uday Bhan Singh, who represented India in the 1980 Moscow Olmpics. The wrestler dedicated two decades of his life to the sport, winning numerous state championships and competing at national events. However, when he failed to make it to the international stage, he found himself without a clear career path. With no formal education beyond high school and limited job opportunities, he took up a security guard job, struggling to make ends meet. His story is not unique&mdash;it is the reality of countless athletes across India.
<h2>Gopichand&rsquo;s perspective</h2>
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/pullela-gopichand">Pullela Gopichand</a>, India&rsquo;s esteemed badminton coach and a former All England Open champion, has long been vocal about the need for a structured exit plan for athletes. He lamented the lack of foresight in India&rsquo;s sports ecosystem, where all attention is directed towards winners while others are left to fend for themselves.
&ldquo;There is no career transition plan for the majority of athletes. We celebrate success but ignore those who don&rsquo;t reach the top. Even national and international medallists struggle to find respectable employment,&rdquo; Gopichand highlighted in a chat with WION.
He proposed an intervention that involves not just sports authorities but also corporations and the government. A structured pathway could include academic scholarships, job placements, skill development programmes, and mentorship opportunities. If India wants to sustain its sporting growth, it must also take responsibility for those who commit their lives to sports without a safety net for the future.
<h2>The way forward</h2>
The solution lies in a multi-pronged approach. First, educational institutions must provide more flexible learning opportunities for athletes, ensuring they have academic qualifications to fall back on. Second, corporate sectors can be incentivised to employ former athletes, recognising the discipline and leadership skills they bring. Third, government bodies should extend pension plans and retirement benefits not just to top-tier athletes but also to those who have represented the country at various levels.
Additionally, sports academies and federations must begin career counselling early, preparing athletes for life beyond sports, Pullela said. Whether through coaching, sports management, or entrepreneurship, alternatives should be made available.
For a nation aspiring to be a global sports powerhouse, India cannot afford to neglect its athletes once their competitive days are over. An exit strategy is not just a luxury&mdash;it is a necessity.
As Gopichand urges, the time for change is now. It is not enough to celebrate champions; we must also support those who dared to dream but could not reach the pinnacle. Only then will India&rsquo;s sporting future be truly secure.

Sports, Olympics: From an early age, young athletes devote their lives to training. Their childhoods are shaped by the discipline of sports, their youth by pursuit of excellence

India has long celebrated its sports champions, showering them with accolades, government rewards, and sponsorship deals. The country lights up with pride when an athlete clinches an Olympic medal or a world championship title. Their names are etched in history, their journeys narrated as tales of grit and perseverance. However, beyond the glare of victory lies a sombre reality—one that remains largely ignored. For every Neeraj Chopra, PV Sindhu, or Virat Kohli, there are thousands of athletes who never make it to the podium. Their dedication and sacrifices often go unnoticed, and once their sports careers reach a standstill, they are left stranded, uncertain of their future. This is the unspoken struggle that former badminton champion and renowned coach Pullela Gopichand seeks to address—a call for an exit strategy for athletes who do not make it to the elite level or those who must retire early. The harsh reality From the age of six or seven, many young athletes devote their lives to rigorous training. Their childhoods are shaped by the discipline of sports, their youth defined by the pursuit of excellence. They sacrifice academics, social lives, and often financial stability in pursuit of a dream that only a fraction can realise. But what happens when that dream remains unfulfilled? What becomes of an athlete who, despite years of training and competition, falls short of national or international recognition? Even those who do achieve moderate success find themselves struggling once they exit the competitive scene. Also Read: Jos Buttler steps down as England's white-ball captain after dismal Champions Trophy 2025 run Take the example of Uday Bhan Singh, who represented India in the 1980 Moscow Olmpics. The wrestler dedicated two decades of his life to the sport, winning numerous state championships and competing at national events. However, when he failed to make it to the international stage, he found himself without a clear career path. With no formal education beyond high school and limited job opportunities, he took up a security guard job, struggling to make ends meet. His story is not unique—it is the reality of countless athletes across India. Gopichand’s perspective Pullela Gopichand, India’s esteemed badminton coach and a former All England Open champion, has long been vocal about the need for a structured exit plan for athletes. He lamented the lack of foresight in India’s sports ecosystem, where all attention is directed towards winners while others are left to fend for themselves. “There is no career transition plan for the majority of athletes. We celebrate success but ignore those who don’t reach the top. Even national and international medallists struggle to find respectable employment,” Gopichand highlighted in a chat with WION. He proposed an intervention that involves not just sports authorities but also corporations and the government. A structured pathway could include academic scholarships, job placements, skill development programmes, and mentorship opportunities. If India wants to sustain its sporting growth, it must also take responsibility for those who commit their lives to sports without a safety net for the future. The way forward The solution lies in a multi-pronged approach. First, educational institutions must provide more flexible learning opportunities for athletes, ensuring they have academic qualifications to fall back on. Second, corporate sectors can be incentivised to employ former athletes, recognising the discipline and leadership skills they bring. Third, government bodies should extend pension plans and retirement benefits not just to top-tier athletes but also to those who have represented the country at various levels. Additionally, sports academies and federations must begin career counselling early, preparing athletes for life beyond sports, Pullela said. Whether through coaching, sports management, or entrepreneurship, alternatives should be made available. For a nation aspiring to be a global sports powerhouse, India cannot afford to neglect its athletes once their competitive days are over. An exit strategy is not just a luxury—it is a necessity. As Gopichand urges, the time for change is now. It is not enough to celebrate champions; we must also support those who dared to dream but could not reach the pinnacle. Only then will India’s sporting future be truly secure.

Exclusive | Beyond the finish line: The unseen struggles of Indian athletes

In an exclusive interview with WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo, Indian badminton team's chief coach Pullela Gopichand says the men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty is one of India's best bets for a medal. He also believes that the badminton squad can win multiple medals at the Paris Olympics.

Paris Olympics 2024: 'Aim is to win multiple badminton medals', says Gopichand

India badminton coach Pullela Gopichand lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for interacting with the Indian contingents for the Thomas and Uber Cup on Sunday. The Indian team scripted history on May 15 by winning the first-ever Thomas Cup crown since its inception in 1949.

"For the last eight years, I have seen PM Modi interacting with the players and he had been consistent with his words. Irrespective of whether players win a medal or not, PM Modi always encourages them by directly connecting with them. He follows the players and the sport," said Gopichand in a media interaction.

Meanwhile, former Denmark shuttler and India`s current men`s doubles coach, Mathias Boe also got overwhelmed by PM Modi's gesture.

"I`ve been a player and won medals but have never been called by my Prime Minister to congratulate, so it is something they will really cherish and will forever remember. great morality boost to come here and meet him personally, and it was a great experience for us. I am proud to be here as a part of the team," said Mathias Boe.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-dont-think-anyone-had-dreamt-of-india-beating-indonesia-3-0-in-thomas-cup-kidambi-srikanth-479815">Exclusive! Don't think anyone had dreamt of India beating Indonesia 3-0 in Thomas Cup: Kidambi Srikanth</a>

Earlier on May 15, PM Modi also had a telephonic conversation with the Indian team, immediately after they clinched the victory in the final of the Thomas Cup. No Indian team has previously reached the final of the Thomas and Uber Cup in its 70-plus year history.

Indian men reached the Thomas Cup semi-finals in 1952, 1955 and 1979 while the women`s team made it to the Uber Cup top-four in 2014 and 2016.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-thomas-cup-triumph-one-of-the-biggest-ever-wins-for-indian-badminton-pullela-gopichand-480109">Exclusive! Thomas Cup triumph one of the biggest ever wins for Indian badminton: Pullela Gopichand</a>

The Indian team, featuring Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty and others, have given a good account of themselves at this year`s tournament.

India badminton coach Pullela Gopichand lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for interacting with the Indian contingents for the Thomas and Uber Cup on Sunday. The Indian team scripted history on May 15 by winning the first-ever Thomas Cup crown since its inception in 1949.

India badminton coach Pullela Gopichand lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for interacting with the Indian contingents for the Thomas and Uber Cup on Sunday. The Indian team scripted history on May 15 by winning the first-ever Thomas Cup crown since its inception in 1949. "For the last eight years, I have seen PM Modi interacting with the players and he had been consistent with his words. Irrespective of whether players win a medal or not, PM Modi always encourages them by directly connecting with them. He follows the players and the sport," said Gopichand in a media interaction. Meanwhile, former Denmark shuttler and India`s current men`s doubles coach, Mathias Boe also got overwhelmed by PM Modi's gesture. "I`ve been a player and won medals but have never been called by my Prime Minister to congratulate, so it is something they will really cherish and will forever remember. great morality boost to come here and meet him personally, and it was a great experience for us. I am proud to be here as a part of the team," said Mathias Boe. Also Read: Exclusive! Don't think anyone had dreamt of India beating Indonesia 3-0 in Thomas Cup: Kidambi Srikanth Earlier on May 15, PM Modi also had a telephonic conversation with the Indian team, immediately after they clinched the victory in the final of the Thomas Cup. No Indian team has previously reached the final of the Thomas and Uber Cup in its 70-plus year history. Indian men reached the Thomas Cup semi-finals in 1952, 1955 and 1979 while the women`s team made it to the Uber Cup top-four in 2014 and 2016. Also Read: Exclusive! Thomas Cup triumph one of the biggest ever wins for Indian badminton: Pullela Gopichand The Indian team, featuring Lakshya Sen, Kidambi Srikanth, HS Prannoy, doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty and others, have given a good account of themselves at this year`s tournament.

Pullela Gopichand lauds PM Modi's efforts of interacting with Indian shuttlers regularly

Indian men's badminton team scripted history in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday (May 15) as they went on to lift their maiden Thomas Cup title after stunning 14-time champions Indonesia 3-0 in the final. It was a dominant performance from India in the all-important summit clash as they wrapped up the final winning three matches on the trot.

India won their first-ever Thomas Cup title in the 73-year-long history of the tournament. Lakshya Sen and Kidamb Srikanth won their respective singles matches while the doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won their doubles match to propel India to a historic triumph.

In an exclusive interaction with WION, Indian badminton great Pullela Gopichand labelled the historic win as the biggest ever in the history of Indian badminton. Gopichand, who is the last Indian to have won the prestigious All England Championships and is currently India's chief national badminton coach, said the only thing that could better the Indian men's team's Thomas Cup win was if both the men's and women's team won gold medals at the coveted tournament.

"Every time I think of the sport, I think this is the best it can happen and every time we have surpassed those expectations. But I think this is really one of the biggest ever wins,"&nbsp;Gopichand told WION in an exclusive interview.

"The only that can probably beat it is if you can win both the men's and women's medals together. This is huge, this is as big as it gets in terms of team championships at the highest level," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-dont-think-anyone-had-dreamt-of-india-beating-indonesia-3-0-in-thomas-cup-kidambi-srikanth-479815">Exclusive! Don't think anyone had dreamt of India beating Indonesia 3-0 in Thomas Cup: Kidambi Srikanth</a>

Gopichand, one of the most dedicated coaches in the Indian badminton circuit, is often credited to have nurtured the current crop of stars in Indian badminton. He has been running the Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad which has produced a number of top shuttlers including the likes of Srikanth and PV Sindhu among others.

A few years ago, it was a distant dream for Indian badminton to compete against the likes of Indonesia, Malaysia and Denmark, who are powerhouses in the sport. However, the Indian team defeated all three countries on their way to a historic win at the Thomas Cup 2022 this year.

Explaining the reason behind India's exceptional performance at the Thomas Cup this year, Gopichand said the senior players in the side had personal pride at stake and had a lot to prove to their critics. He also lauded the team members for complimenting each other well throughout their campaign.

"I think it's a combination of things. We can call it a team championship but still each one goes out there and, plays their own match, comes out and turns out it adds to the squad unlike hockey, football or cricket.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-created-a-whatsapp-group-titled-well-bring-it-home-kidambi-srikanth-after-india-win-thomas-cup-479355">We created a WhatsApp group titled ‘We’ll Bring It Home': Kidambi Srikanth after India win Thomas Cup</a>

But I think what is important is that these players have peaked at the right time. They are playing their best badminton at the right time. Also, each one had their personal pride at stake, they were competing against each other but were also complementing each other," said Gopichand.

Gopichand also detailed how the likes of Srikanth and HS Prannoy have proved the naysayers wrong while calling the young Lakshya Sen the rising star of Indian badminton. Sen had gotten the better of Toy Olympics bronze medallist Anthony Ginting in the Thomas Cup final while Srikanth defeated Jonathan Christie in straight sets.

The doubles pair of Satwik and Chirag arguably had the toughest tie in the final as they were up against the talented and experienced duo of&nbsp;Mohammad Ahsan and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo. After losing the first game 21-18 against the Indonesia pair, Satwik and Chirag staged a comeback for the ages.

The Indian pair clinched the second game 23-21 before taking the final game 21-19. Gopichand said almost each of the senior players in the squad had headed into the tournament with a point to prove and they fought like a team to make history by winning the most coveted team tournament in world badminton.

"Lakshya has been a rising star. He has done exceptionally well in the last few months. He has been winning events after events and has been phenomenal. But Srikanth has had his ups and downs. He lost out on the Olympics and big medals when it mattered. He has been up and down with his form. People have also doubted Prannoy's presence in the team and I think he needed to prove a point," said Gopichand, who has had a huge role to play in the rise of Indian badminton in the last decade.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-winning-thomas-cup-is-like-winning-world-cup-of-football-says-badminton-great-pullela-gopichand-479520">India winning Thomas Cup is like winning World Cup of football, says badminton great&nbsp;Gopichand</a>

"The doubles players Satwik and Chirag probably wanted to prove a point as it has always been the case that singles players are good but doubles are not. So it was like there was something at stake which was larger - personal pride combined with the country's emotions. There was a lot of good spirits around and each one celebrated the other's&nbsp;victory.

The whole camaraderie, the whole issue of personal pride and country came together to make a fine team," the chief national coach explained.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-sports-pullela-gopichand-on-indias-historic-thomas-cup-triumph-479898/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Indian men's badminton team scripted history in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday (May 15) as they went on to lift their maiden Thomas Cup title after stunning 14-time champions Indonesia 3-0 in the final.

Indian men's badminton team scripted history in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday (May 15) as they went on to lift their maiden Thomas Cup title after stunning 14-time champions Indonesia 3-0 in the final. It was a dominant performance from India in the all-important summit clash as they wrapped up the final winning three matches on the trot. India won their first-ever Thomas Cup title in the 73-year-long history of the tournament. Lakshya Sen and Kidamb Srikanth won their respective singles matches while the doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won their doubles match to propel India to a historic triumph. In an exclusive interaction with WION, Indian badminton great Pullela Gopichand labelled the historic win as the biggest ever in the history of Indian badminton. Gopichand, who is the last Indian to have won the prestigious All England Championships and is currently India's chief national badminton coach, said the only thing that could better the Indian men's team's Thomas Cup win was if both the men's and women's team won gold medals at the coveted tournament. "Every time I think of the sport, I think this is the best it can happen and every time we have surpassed those expectations. But I think this is really one of the biggest ever wins," Gopichand told WION in an exclusive interview. "The only that can probably beat it is if you can win both the men's and women's medals together. This is huge, this is as big as it gets in terms of team championships at the highest level," he added. Also Read: Exclusive! Don't think anyone had dreamt of India beating Indonesia 3-0 in Thomas Cup: Kidambi Srikanth Gopichand, one of the most dedicated coaches in the Indian badminton circuit, is often credited to have nurtured the current crop of stars in Indian badminton. He has been running the Gopichand Academy in Hyderabad which has produced a number of top shuttlers including the likes of Srikanth and PV Sindhu among others. A few years ago, it was a distant dream for Indian badminton to compete against the likes of Indonesia, Malaysia and Denmark, who are powerhouses in the sport. However, the Indian team defeated all three countries on their way to a historic win at the Thomas Cup 2022 this year. Explaining the reason behind India's exceptional performance at the Thomas Cup this year, Gopichand said the senior players in the side had personal pride at stake and had a lot to prove to their critics. He also lauded the team members for complimenting each other well throughout their campaign. "I think it's a combination of things. We can call it a team championship but still each one goes out there and, plays their own match, comes out and turns out it adds to the squad unlike hockey, football or cricket. Also Read: We created a WhatsApp group titled ‘We’ll Bring It Home': Kidambi Srikanth after India win Thomas Cup But I think what is important is that these players have peaked at the right time. They are playing their best badminton at the right time. Also, each one had their personal pride at stake, they were competing against each other but were also complementing each other," said Gopichand. Gopichand also detailed how the likes of Srikanth and HS Prannoy have proved the naysayers wrong while calling the young Lakshya Sen the rising star of Indian badminton. Sen had gotten the better of Toy Olympics bronze medallist Anthony Ginting in the Thomas Cup final while Srikanth defeated Jonathan Christie in straight sets. The doubles pair of Satwik and Chirag arguably had the toughest tie in the final as they were up against the talented and experienced duo of Mohammad Ahsan and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo. After losing the first game 21-18 against the Indonesia pair, Satwik and Chirag staged a comeback for the ages. The Indian pair clinched the second game 23-21 before taking the final game 21-19. Gopichand said almost each of the senior players in the squad had headed into the tournament with a point to prove and they fought like a team to make history by winning the most coveted team tournament in world badminton. "Lakshya has been a rising star. He has done exceptionally well in the last few months. He has been winning events after events and has been phenomenal. But Srikanth has had his ups and downs. He lost out on the Olympics and big medals when it mattered. He has been up and down with his form. People have also doubted Prannoy's presence in the team and I think he needed to prove a point," said Gopichand, who has had a huge role to play in the rise of Indian badminton in the last decade. Also Read: India winning Thomas Cup is like winning World Cup of football, says badminton great Gopichand "The doubles players Satwik and Chirag probably wanted to prove a point as it has always been the case that singles players are good but doubles are not. So it was like there was something at stake which was larger - personal pride combined with the country's emotions. There was a lot of good spirits around and each one celebrated the other's victory. The whole camaraderie, the whole issue of personal pride and country came together to make a fine team," the chief national coach explained. ×

Exclusive! Thomas Cup triumph one of the biggest ever wins for Indian badminton: Pullela Gopichand

The Indian Men's Badminton team scripted history on Sunday by winning a maiden Thomas Cup title. The Chief Coach of the National Team- Pullela Gopichand- spoke to WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo on the magnitude of the achievement.

WION Sports: Pullela Gopichand on India's historic Thomas cup triumph

Indian shuttlers created history in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday (May 15) as they thrashed Indonesia to power the country to its maiden Thomas Cup title in 73 years. The Indian men's team spearheaded by Kidambi Srikanth stunned 14-time champions Indonesia 3-0 in the final to bring an end to their long-standing title drought in the prestigious competition.

Lakshya Sen gave India a perfect start in the game as he managed to stage an epic comeback against Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Anthony Ginting. Sen lost the first game of the first tie 8-21 before bouncing back to beat Ginting 21-17, 21-16 to give India a 1-0 lead. The doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty too continued their magical run in the final.

The Indian pair lost the first game 18-21 against Mohammad Ahsan and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo before winning the next two games 23-21, 21-19 to extend India's lead to 2-0. It was the experienced Kidambi Srikanth, who sealed India's dominant 3-0 win as he defeated Jonatan Christie 21-15, 23-21 in straight sets to make it 3-0 in India's favour.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-created-a-whatsapp-group-titled-well-bring-it-home-kidambi-srikanth-after-india-win-thomas-cup-479355">We created a WhatsApp group titled ‘We’ll Bring It Home': Kidambi Srikanth after India win Thomas Cup</a>

Reacting to India's historic triumph in the Thomas Cup, Indian badminton legend Pullela Gopichand compared it to winning a football World Cup. India has never won the FIFA World Cup and is not considered among the powerhouses in world football. Gopichand said no one would have given India a chance in the past but the men's team has proved their critics wrong.

"We didn't do great together as a unit in the past, but today that has changed. Winning Thomas Cup is like winning World Cup of football," Gopichand was quoted as saying by Times Now.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thomas-cup-entire-nation-is-elated-pm-narendra-modi-virat-kohli-others-hail-indias-historic-win-479139">'Entire nation is elated' - PM Narendra Modi, Virat Kohli &amp; others hail India's historic Thomas Cup win</a>

India had earlier defeated Denmark 3-2 in the semi-final to enter the final of the coveted tournament for the first time in its history. While Indonesia were clear favourites heading into the final, the Indian shuttlers dominated the proceedings to lift the country's maiden title.

The Indian sports ministry announced a cash prize of Rs 1 crore (INR 10 million) for the Indian men's badminton team after their historic triumph.

Indian shuttlers created history in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday (May 15) as they thrashed Indonesia to power the country to its maiden Thomas Cup title in 73 years.

Indian shuttlers created history in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday (May 15) as they thrashed Indonesia to power the country to its maiden Thomas Cup title in 73 years. The Indian men's team spearheaded by Kidambi Srikanth stunned 14-time champions Indonesia 3-0 in the final to bring an end to their long-standing title drought in the prestigious competition. Lakshya Sen gave India a perfect start in the game as he managed to stage an epic comeback against Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Anthony Ginting. Sen lost the first game of the first tie 8-21 before bouncing back to beat Ginting 21-17, 21-16 to give India a 1-0 lead. The doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty too continued their magical run in the final. The Indian pair lost the first game 18-21 against Mohammad Ahsan and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo before winning the next two games 23-21, 21-19 to extend India's lead to 2-0. It was the experienced Kidambi Srikanth, who sealed India's dominant 3-0 win as he defeated Jonatan Christie 21-15, 23-21 in straight sets to make it 3-0 in India's favour. Also Read: We created a WhatsApp group titled ‘We’ll Bring It Home': Kidambi Srikanth after India win Thomas Cup Reacting to India's historic triumph in the Thomas Cup, Indian badminton legend Pullela Gopichand compared it to winning a football World Cup. India has never won the FIFA World Cup and is not considered among the powerhouses in world football. Gopichand said no one would have given India a chance in the past but the men's team has proved their critics wrong. "We didn't do great together as a unit in the past, but today that has changed. Winning Thomas Cup is like winning World Cup of football," Gopichand was quoted as saying by Times Now. Also Read: 'Entire nation is elated' - PM Narendra Modi, Virat Kohli & others hail India's historic Thomas Cup win India had earlier defeated Denmark 3-2 in the semi-final to enter the final of the coveted tournament for the first time in its history. While Indonesia were clear favourites heading into the final, the Indian shuttlers dominated the proceedings to lift the country's maiden title. The Indian sports ministry announced a cash prize of Rs 1 crore (INR 10 million) for the Indian men's badminton team after their historic triumph.

India winning Thomas Cup is like winning World Cup of football, says badminton great Pullela Gopichand

The Indian men’s badminton team created history on Sunday as they defeated Indonesia to claim their first-ever Thomas Cup title. Kidambi Srikanth clinched the win after beating Jonatan Christie in the third match after hard-fought victories for Lakshya Sen and the pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. India became the sixth country to win the Thomas Cup and their journey to the final included victories over former champions – Malaysia (quarterfinal) and Denmark (semi-final).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-mens-badminton-team-create-history-clinch-maiden-thomas-cup-title-after-thrashing-indonesia-479114">India create history, clinch maiden Thomas Cup title after thrashing Indonesia</a>

Indian chief badminton coach Pullela Gopichand hailed the victory and said that the Thomas Cup victory is even more important to Indian badminton than the 1983 World Cup win to Indian cricket. &nbsp;

“It's huge, this victory is huge. I think the way Lakshya started set the momentum up and, in these championships, especially where badminton is huge, I think that pressure just builds on. I think that the way Srikanth and Lakshya played extremely well to build the pressure and of course Satwik and Chirag were just magical,” Gopichand said in an interview with India Today.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/thomas-cup-entire-nation-is-elated-pm-narendra-modi-virat-kohli-others-hail-indias-historic-win-479139" hreflang="en">'Entire nation is elated': PM Modi, Kohli &amp; others hail India's Thomas Cup win</a>

“I would say that in badminton terms this is even bigger (than the 1983 World Cup win). I think nobody would have imagined that we would win something as big as this. Especially if you would have gone to a badminton playing nation like China and Malaysia and say that India was going to win the Thomas Cup someday, they would have laughed at you a few years ago. But I think that the quality of singles and the doubles also have ensured that we have been able to do this,” he added.

The Indian men’s badminton team created history on Sunday as they defeated Indonesia to claim their first-ever Thomas Cup title. Kidambi Srikanth clinched the win after beating Jonatan Christie in the third match after hard-fought victories for Lakshya Sen and the pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.

The Indian men’s badminton team created history on Sunday as they defeated Indonesia to claim their first-ever Thomas Cup title. Kidambi Srikanth clinched the win after beating Jonatan Christie in the third match after hard-fought victories for Lakshya Sen and the pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. India became the sixth country to win the Thomas Cup and their journey to the final included victories over former champions – Malaysia (quarterfinal) and Denmark (semi-final). Also read | India create history, clinch maiden Thomas Cup title after thrashing Indonesia Indian chief badminton coach Pullela Gopichand hailed the victory and said that the Thomas Cup victory is even more important to Indian badminton than the 1983 World Cup win to Indian cricket. “It's huge, this victory is huge. I think the way Lakshya started set the momentum up and, in these championships, especially where badminton is huge, I think that pressure just builds on. I think that the way Srikanth and Lakshya played extremely well to build the pressure and of course Satwik and Chirag were just magical,” Gopichand said in an interview with India Today. Also read | 'Entire nation is elated': PM Modi, Kohli & others hail India's Thomas Cup win “I would say that in badminton terms this is even bigger (than the 1983 World Cup win). I think nobody would have imagined that we would win something as big as this. Especially if you would have gone to a badminton playing nation like China and Malaysia and say that India was going to win the Thomas Cup someday, they would have laughed at you a few years ago. But I think that the quality of singles and the doubles also have ensured that we have been able to do this,” he added.

Bigger than 1983 World Cup for badminton! Pullela Gopichand lauds India's Thomas Cup victory

Indian shuttlers created history in Thomas Cup 2022 on Friday (May 13) as Team India defeated Denmark 3-2 in the semi-final to enter their maiden final. HS Panny defeated Rasmus Gamke in the deciding fifth and final game to power India into the final of the prestigious tournament.

It was a magnificent achievement by the shuttlers as India had never reached the final of the Thomas Cup in the tournament's 73-year-long history. India's best-ever campaign at the Thomas Cup came in the year 1979 when&nbsp;the Indian team featuring the likes of the legendary Prakash Padukone and Syed Modi had lost in the semi-final against Denmark

On Friday, India got off to a losing start in their semi-final against Denmark as Laskhya Sen went down against World no.1 Viktor Axelsen in straight sets. However, the pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty got their first point by defeating their opponents in the next game.

Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy then registered victories in their respective matches as India won the semi-final 3-2 to storm into the summit clash. India's stunning win over Denmark sent the entire sporting fraternity buzzing as the historic achievement was hailed by one and all.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-indonesia-thomas-cup-final-2022-live-streaming-when-and-where-to-watch-478901">India vs Indonesia, Thomas Cup final 2022 live streaming: When and where to watch?</a>

Indian badminton legend Pullela Gopichand also lauded the Indian shuttlers for their magnificent show in Thomas Cup 2022 and compared their feat of reaching the maiden final to that of&nbsp;Indian cricket team's maiden appearance in a World Cup final in 1983. Kapil Dev-led India had scripted history by winning the country's first-ever cricket World Cup in 1983.

“Years ago we would wonder whether we are good to even qualify for the Thomas Cup. Even if we did, we would usually be eliminated in the group stage. I remember just how much of a struggle it was.” Gopichand was quoted as saying by Sportstar.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-create-history-beat-denmark-3-2-to-storm-into-maiden-thomas-cup-final-478747">India create history, beat Denmark 3-2 to storm into maiden Thomas Cup final</a>

Gopichand, who is on the second&nbsp;Indian to have won the prestigious All England Open, said India reaching the final of the Thomas Cup was a significant moment in the history of Indian badminton. He also praised the doubles pair of Satwik and Chirag for providing much-needed depth to the Indian side, which it lacked before.

“This is such a significant moment. The Thomas Cup is the biggest tournament in team badminton. Making the finals means you stand eye to eye with the best nations in world badminton. The magnitude of an Indian team reaching the final is what I’d imagine the team that made the cricket World Cup finals back in 1983," said Gopichand.

“You can’t do what you did without a world-class doubles pair like Satwik and Chirag. That doubles option gives a depth to the side that we didn’t always have before,” he added.

The Indian shuttlers will look to create history when they take on 14-time champions Indonesia in the final of the Thomas Cup 2022 on Sunday.&nbsp;

Indian shuttlers created history in Thomas Cup 2022 on Friday (May 13) as Team India defeated Denmark 3-2 in the semi-final to enter their maiden final. HS Panny defeated Rasmus Gamke in the deciding fifth and final game to power India into the final of the prestigious tournament.

Indian shuttlers created history in Thomas Cup 2022 on Friday (May 13) as Team India defeated Denmark 3-2 in the semi-final to enter their maiden final. HS Panny defeated Rasmus Gamke in the deciding fifth and final game to power India into the final of the prestigious tournament. It was a magnificent achievement by the shuttlers as India had never reached the final of the Thomas Cup in the tournament's 73-year-long history. India's best-ever campaign at the Thomas Cup came in the year 1979 when the Indian team featuring the likes of the legendary Prakash Padukone and Syed Modi had lost in the semi-final against Denmark On Friday, India got off to a losing start in their semi-final against Denmark as Laskhya Sen went down against World no.1 Viktor Axelsen in straight sets. However, the pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty got their first point by defeating their opponents in the next game. Kidambi Srikanth and HS Prannoy then registered victories in their respective matches as India won the semi-final 3-2 to storm into the summit clash. India's stunning win over Denmark sent the entire sporting fraternity buzzing as the historic achievement was hailed by one and all. Also Read: India vs Indonesia, Thomas Cup final 2022 live streaming: When and where to watch? Indian badminton legend Pullela Gopichand also lauded the Indian shuttlers for their magnificent show in Thomas Cup 2022 and compared their feat of reaching the maiden final to that of Indian cricket team's maiden appearance in a World Cup final in 1983. Kapil Dev-led India had scripted history by winning the country's first-ever cricket World Cup in 1983. “Years ago we would wonder whether we are good to even qualify for the Thomas Cup. Even if we did, we would usually be eliminated in the group stage. I remember just how much of a struggle it was.” Gopichand was quoted as saying by Sportstar. Also Read: India create history, beat Denmark 3-2 to storm into maiden Thomas Cup final Gopichand, who is on the second Indian to have won the prestigious All England Open, said India reaching the final of the Thomas Cup was a significant moment in the history of Indian badminton. He also praised the doubles pair of Satwik and Chirag for providing much-needed depth to the Indian side, which it lacked before. “This is such a significant moment. The Thomas Cup is the biggest tournament in team badminton. Making the finals means you stand eye to eye with the best nations in world badminton. The magnitude of an Indian team reaching the final is what I’d imagine the team that made the cricket World Cup finals back in 1983," said Gopichand. “You can’t do what you did without a world-class doubles pair like Satwik and Chirag. That doubles option gives a depth to the side that we didn’t always have before,” he added. The Indian shuttlers will look to create history when they take on 14-time champions Indonesia in the final of the Thomas Cup 2022 on Sunday.

Reaching Thomas Cup final is like India making it to cricket World Cup final in 1983: Pullela Gopichand

Indian women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Pullela Gayatri Gopichand lost in the first round of the ongoing Swiss Open, here at St. Jakobshalle, Basel.

Playing at court 1, the Indian duo got thrashed by Thailand's Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai in straight games 21-10, 21-17, in a match that lasted for 41 minutes.

Earlier, Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth defeated Denmark's Mads Christophersen in straight games 21-16, 21-17, in a match that lasted 32 minutes.

However, Shuttler Malvika Bansod lost in her women's singles clash against France's Qi Xuefei.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-ash-barty-has-always-done-things-her-own-way-shocked-ricky-ponting-on-tennis-greats-retirement-464896">Exclusive! Ash Barty has always done things her own way: Shocked Ricky Ponting on tennis great's retirement</a>

The Indian men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the first-round clash against the Indonesian pair of Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Bagas Maulana 17-21, 21-11, 21-18.

The match lasted 57 minutes.Mixed doubles pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and Sumeeth Reddy were defeated by fifth seeds Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue of France in straight-sets 13-21, 9-21 in 33 minutes.

Later in the day, two-time Olympic Medalist PV Sindhu will be facing Denmark's Line Kjaersfeldt in her women's singles clash while shuttler Saina Nehwal will be going up against Spain's Yaelle Hoyaux.

Indian women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Pullela Gayatri Gopichand lost in the first round of the ongoing Swiss Open, here at St. Jakobshalle, Basel. Playing at court 1, the Indian duo got thrashed by Thailand's Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai in straight games 21-10, 21-17, in a match that lasted for 41 minutes.

Indian women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Pullela Gayatri Gopichand lost in the first round of the ongoing Swiss Open, here at St. Jakobshalle, Basel. Playing at court 1, the Indian duo got thrashed by Thailand's Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai in straight games 21-10, 21-17, in a match that lasted for 41 minutes. Earlier, Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth defeated Denmark's Mads Christophersen in straight games 21-16, 21-17, in a match that lasted 32 minutes. However, Shuttler Malvika Bansod lost in her women's singles clash against France's Qi Xuefei. ALSO READ: Exclusive! Ash Barty has always done things her own way: Shocked Ricky Ponting on tennis great's retirement The Indian men's doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty won the first-round clash against the Indonesian pair of Muhammad Shohibul Fikri and Bagas Maulana 17-21, 21-11, 21-18. The match lasted 57 minutes.Mixed doubles pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and Sumeeth Reddy were defeated by fifth seeds Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue of France in straight-sets 13-21, 9-21 in 33 minutes. Later in the day, two-time Olympic Medalist PV Sindhu will be facing Denmark's Line Kjaersfeldt in her women's singles clash while shuttler Saina Nehwal will be going up against Spain's Yaelle Hoyaux.

Swiss Open: Treesa Jolly, Pullela Gayatri Gopichand lose to Thai pair in first round of women's doubles clash

Young Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen stunned defending champion Lee Zii Jia from Malaysia in the semi-final of the ongoing All England Open Badminton Championships 2022 to secure a spot in the final of the tournament. The 20-year-old has been enjoying a fabulous run in the tournament and will be looking to script history when he takes the court in the summit clash on Sunday (March 20).

Sen and Jia played out a thrilling contest in the men's singles semi-final on Saturday as the duo gave their all on the court. The Indian shuttler made a good start as he claimed the first set 21-13 before the Malaysian fought back and won the second set 21-12 to take the semi-final into a final deciding set.

Sen produced a remarkable comeback in the third and final set as he held his nerves to clinch it 21-19. It was a brilliant showdown between the duo in the semi-final with Sen emerging on top after a gruelling duel. Sen became only the fifth Indian to enter the final of the prestigious All England Open and also became the fourth Indian male shuttler to achieve the feat.

He joined the likes of Prakash Padukone, Saina Nehwal and Pullela Gopichand among others in an elite list. Here is a look at Indian shuttlers who have made it to the final of the All England Open Badminton Championships.

1947 -&nbsp;Prakash Nath (runner-up)

1980 -&nbsp;Prakash Padukone (champion)

1981 -&nbsp;Prakash Padukone (runner-up)

2001 -&nbsp;Pullela Gopichand (champion)

2015 - Saina Nehwal (runner-up)

2022 - Lakshya Sen

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lakshya-sen-enters-final-of-all-england-championships-after-stunning-lee-zii-jia-of-malaysia-463867">Lakshya Sen enters final of All England Championships after stunning Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia</a>

Sen will be up against Denmark's Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen in the final. Axelsen defeated Chou Tien Chen from Chinese Taipei in straight sets in the semi-final to secure a spot in the final against Sen. Axelsen has reached his fourth straight men's singles final at the All England Open Badminton Championships.

Sen will face a tricky challenge against Axelsen in the final but the 20-year-old will be looking to script history for India in the final. If he manages to beat the Dane, Sen will become only the third Indian after his mentor Padukone and Gopichand to win the tournament.

Saina Nehwal was the last Indian to reach the final of the All England Open Badminton Championships in 2015. She lost against Spain's Carolina Marin in the final.

Young Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen stunned defending champion Lee Zii Jia from Malaysia in the semi-final of the ongoing All England Open Badminton Championships 2022 to secure a spot in the final of the tournament.

Young Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen stunned defending champion Lee Zii Jia from Malaysia in the semi-final of the ongoing All England Open Badminton Championships 2022 to secure a spot in the final of the tournament. The 20-year-old has been enjoying a fabulous run in the tournament and will be looking to script history when he takes the court in the summit clash on Sunday (March 20). Sen and Jia played out a thrilling contest in the men's singles semi-final on Saturday as the duo gave their all on the court. The Indian shuttler made a good start as he claimed the first set 21-13 before the Malaysian fought back and won the second set 21-12 to take the semi-final into a final deciding set. Sen produced a remarkable comeback in the third and final set as he held his nerves to clinch it 21-19. It was a brilliant showdown between the duo in the semi-final with Sen emerging on top after a gruelling duel. Sen became only the fifth Indian to enter the final of the prestigious All England Open and also became the fourth Indian male shuttler to achieve the feat. He joined the likes of Prakash Padukone, Saina Nehwal and Pullela Gopichand among others in an elite list. Here is a look at Indian shuttlers who have made it to the final of the All England Open Badminton Championships. 1947 - Prakash Nath (runner-up) 1980 - Prakash Padukone (champion) 1981 - Prakash Padukone (runner-up) 2001 - Pullela Gopichand (champion) 2015 - Saina Nehwal (runner-up) 2022 - Lakshya Sen Also Read: Lakshya Sen enters final of All England Championships after stunning Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia Sen will be up against Denmark's Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen in the final. Axelsen defeated Chou Tien Chen from Chinese Taipei in straight sets in the semi-final to secure a spot in the final against Sen. Axelsen has reached his fourth straight men's singles final at the All England Open Badminton Championships. Sen will face a tricky challenge against Axelsen in the final but the 20-year-old will be looking to script history for India in the final. If he manages to beat the Dane, Sen will become only the third Indian after his mentor Padukone and Gopichand to win the tournament. Saina Nehwal was the last Indian to reach the final of the All England Open Badminton Championships in 2015. She lost against Spain's Carolina Marin in the final.

Lakshya Sen joins Prakash Padukone, Saina Nehwal in elite list after reaching All England Open final

Badminton has witnessed an unprecedented rise in India with stars like PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Parupalli Kashyap, N Sikki Reddy among many others leaving their massive impact to the world of shuttle and racquet. And much credit for the rise and success of badminton stars in India has to go to Padma Bhushan awardee Pullela Gopichand.&nbsp;

While the Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad has done wonders for the rising and established stars in the world of badminton, the state-of-art academy continues its partnership with Tata Trusts’ badminton programme in the state of Mizoram as they look to&nbsp;unearth and polish&nbsp;new talent while also giving a platform for better players to continue taking giant strides to improve their game.&nbsp;

“When I first went to Mizoram, my thinking was that it won’t have passion for badminton. But what I saw there made me so happy because every community had a center with a badminton court. Players used to gather in evening to play and that bonding and passion which I saw within the players made me happy. There are around 840 players playing badminton regularly in grassroot community centers and after witnessing their talents, I am sure there will be many players from Mizoram who will go on to make it big,” Pullela Gopichand told WION in an exclusive interaction.

<img alt="Gopichand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b06d94b-4615-419a-bb38-2620f89f88bd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IMG_20190325_161009.jpg" />

Sporting action came to a halt globally due to COVID-19 pandemic that forced many camps to shut down. As playing fields remained empty for months, awareness around the importance of fitness and immunity for health despite the social distancing, has only increased. The impact on children and young adults is especially greater as sports and gaming activities provide opportunities to engage and socialize and help with overall development of an individual in society. In order to stay connected and for aspirational athletes to continue their training, it is important to look at alternate methods during this forced break because of the pandemic.

“We were looking at video to connect to coaches and players but we weren’t sure when we would be able to go ahead with it. In this time of pandemic, that process was fastracked in this time and we were able to connect with coaches and players while monitoring the development and doing necessary changes in real time,” Gopichand said on the role of technology in this programme.

<img alt="Gopichand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6c2057ce-beaf-4b16-95a4-6e85f4f38f77" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Screen%20Shot%202020-07-22%20at%207.52.14%20AM.jpg" />

The Tata Trusts’ badminton programme on-going across 25 grassroots centres and covers all 8 districts of Mizoram state, is now providing students with online training to keep them engaged and in touch with the sport. In order to keep children in Mizoram excited about the sport, Tata Trusts has partnered with the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy. Gopichand and his team conduct one session every week, along with the coaches from the programme and an exercise and conditioning specialist conducting the remaining sessions. “

Tata Trusts were already working in Mizoram for different things and that’s when the Mizoram government approached us to do something on badminton. We don’t have any technical knowledge about badminton so to design a programme we got in touch with Pullela Gopichand. We invited him to see the talent in Mizoram and after witnessing it, he came on board as a technical partner. Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy is our technical partner. We designed the entire programme as to how to approach minute of details for this and Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy is taking care of skill training of not only players but giving tips to our coaches as well,” Neelam Babardesai - Head, Tata Trusts Sports Initiative told WION.

Currently the initiative is split into two: grassroots development and high performance. The selection of kids for the grassroots centers is simply based on interest and keenness towards learning the sport. The selection process for the high performance programme (Regional Development Centers) is strictly based on talent and performance. Prospective candidates' performance in State/district tournaments is taken into consideration and also their rankings as per the Mizoram Badminton Association. As of 2019-20, the initiative has had 1862 beneficiaries who are between 8 and 15 years.

<img alt="Ponty" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7c74f8d2-7a67-4b61-b1af-0813d2b97b1c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ponty%20%281%29.jpg" />

“The grassroot plan is mainly focused on the basics of the game, like holding a racquet to players’ movement on the court. Whereas the high-performance plan is for bit polished players and we help them with their strength training and more advanced details of the sport,” Ponty Lalramtluangi, Coach at Regional Development Centers under Badminton Initiative Mizoram(BIM) told WION.&nbsp;

“For the competitive layer, players come down to our community centers for trials which are also attended by coaches from Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy and that is how the selection is made. For grassroot layer, it is more about looking at the keenness of a youngster and how passionate he or she is about the sport. We are already overloaded in the grassroot part of our training, which also shows the passion Mizoram as a state has for badminton,” Ponty added.&nbsp;

The infrastructure and facilities currently under use are multipurpose indoor community halls which also double up as Badminton courts. The programme is run in 40 such functional centers as of now. Tata Trusts has planned to construct a “Center of Excellence” close to the state capital for which the Mizoram Government has provided us with 10 acres (approx.) of land on lease for 50 years.

The Siphir community has given the land for the construction of the Centre of Excellence, free of cost, and the Mizoram Government will be preparing the site and developing the basic facilities for the same. Financial and operational independence is also an important goal for the programme, with the objective being to make the initiative self-sustaining through funds collected as fees from trainees and from resources generated by the training centre.

The mental strength of a player in any sport plays a massive role and the partnership between the Tata Trusts and Gopichand Badminton Academy is focusing to tick every box that is needed for a modern-day player to continue their development, on and off the court.&nbsp;

<img alt="Ponty" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="63903b6b-a83e-4fa4-8877-fd8391c5aa5c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ponty%20%282%29.jpg" />

“We always wanted to focus on mental aspect of the game. Tata Trusts’ have always focused on the mental aspect of the game but moreover, with the kind of infrastructure we have in place and are looking to produce, I am sure we will give the players everything they need to improve. Be it improvement in mental strength, nutrition, game-plan or any other thing. And I am sure, we will be able to live up to the expectations we have with his programme,” Gopichand said. &nbsp;

“We are looking at the holistic development of children and not just development for the sake of it. There will be many players who will not make the cut to the national or international level but as we know, sport can help a person develop life skills as well, and that is what we are focusing on to providing lifetime skills,” Neelam concluded. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Badminton has witnessed an unprecedented rise in India with stars like PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Parupalli Kashyap, N Sikki Reddy among many others leaving their massive impact to the world of shuttle and racquet.

Badminton has witnessed an unprecedented rise in India with stars like PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, Parupalli Kashyap, N Sikki Reddy among many others leaving their massive impact to the world of shuttle and racquet. And much credit for the rise and success of badminton stars in India has to go to Padma Bhushan awardee Pullela Gopichand. While the Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad has done wonders for the rising and established stars in the world of badminton, the state-of-art academy continues its partnership with Tata Trusts’ badminton programme in the state of Mizoram as they look to unearth and polish new talent while also giving a platform for better players to continue taking giant strides to improve their game. “When I first went to Mizoram, my thinking was that it won’t have passion for badminton. But what I saw there made me so happy because every community had a center with a badminton court. Players used to gather in evening to play and that bonding and passion which I saw within the players made me happy. There are around 840 players playing badminton regularly in grassroot community centers and after witnessing their talents, I am sure there will be many players from Mizoram who will go on to make it big,” Pullela Gopichand told WION in an exclusive interaction. Sporting action came to a halt globally due to COVID-19 pandemic that forced many camps to shut down. As playing fields remained empty for months, awareness around the importance of fitness and immunity for health despite the social distancing, has only increased. The impact on children and young adults is especially greater as sports and gaming activities provide opportunities to engage and socialize and help with overall development of an individual in society. In order to stay connected and for aspirational athletes to continue their training, it is important to look at alternate methods during this forced break because of the pandemic. “We were looking at video to connect to coaches and players but we weren’t sure when we would be able to go ahead with it. In this time of pandemic, that process was fastracked in this time and we were able to connect with coaches and players while monitoring the development and doing necessary changes in real time,” Gopichand said on the role of technology in this programme. The Tata Trusts’ badminton programme on-going across 25 grassroots centres and covers all 8 districts of Mizoram state, is now providing students with online training to keep them engaged and in touch with the sport. In order to keep children in Mizoram excited about the sport, Tata Trusts has partnered with the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy. Gopichand and his team conduct one session every week, along with the coaches from the programme and an exercise and conditioning specialist conducting the remaining sessions. “ Tata Trusts were already working in Mizoram for different things and that’s when the Mizoram government approached us to do something on badminton. We don’t have any technical knowledge about badminton so to design a programme we got in touch with Pullela Gopichand. We invited him to see the talent in Mizoram and after witnessing it, he came on board as a technical partner. Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy is our technical partner. We designed the entire programme as to how to approach minute of details for this and Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy is taking care of skill training of not only players but giving tips to our coaches as well,” Neelam Babardesai - Head, Tata Trusts Sports Initiative told WION. Currently the initiative is split into two: grassroots development and high performance. The selection of kids for the grassroots centers is simply based on interest and keenness towards learning the sport. The selection process for the high performance programme (Regional Development Centers) is strictly based on talent and performance. Prospective candidates' performance in State/district tournaments is taken into consideration and also their rankings as per the Mizoram Badminton Association. As of 2019-20, the initiative has had 1862 beneficiaries who are between 8 and 15 years. “The grassroot plan is mainly focused on the basics of the game, like holding a racquet to players’ movement on the court. Whereas the high-performance plan is for bit polished players and we help them with their strength training and more advanced details of the sport,” Ponty Lalramtluangi, Coach at Regional Development Centers under Badminton Initiative Mizoram(BIM) told WION. “For the competitive layer, players come down to our community centers for trials which are also attended by coaches from Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy and that is how the selection is made. For grassroot layer, it is more about looking at the keenness of a youngster and how passionate he or she is about the sport. We are already overloaded in the grassroot part of our training, which also shows the passion Mizoram as a state has for badminton,” Ponty added. The infrastructure and facilities currently under use are multipurpose indoor community halls which also double up as Badminton courts. The programme is run in 40 such functional centers as of now. Tata Trusts has planned to construct a “Center of Excellence” close to the state capital for which the Mizoram Government has provided us with 10 acres (approx.) of land on lease for 50 years. The Siphir community has given the land for the construction of the Centre of Excellence, free of cost, and the Mizoram Government will be preparing the site and developing the basic facilities for the same. Financial and operational independence is also an important goal for the programme, with the objective being to make the initiative self-sustaining through funds collected as fees from trainees and from resources generated by the training centre. The mental strength of a player in any sport plays a massive role and the partnership between the Tata Trusts and Gopichand Badminton Academy is focusing to tick every box that is needed for a modern-day player to continue their development, on and off the court. “We always wanted to focus on mental aspect of the game. Tata Trusts’ have always focused on the mental aspect of the game but moreover, with the kind of infrastructure we have in place and are looking to produce, I am sure we will give the players everything they need to improve. Be it improvement in mental strength, nutrition, game-plan or any other thing. And I am sure, we will be able to live up to the expectations we have with his programme,” Gopichand said. “We are looking at the holistic development of children and not just development for the sake of it. There will be many players who will not make the cut to the national or international level but as we know, sport can help a person develop life skills as well, and that is what we are focusing on to providing lifetime skills,” Neelam concluded.

Pullela Gopichand: Mizoram has potential to produce future batch of badminton stars

India achieved a record haul of 6 medals at the 2012 London Olympics. Leading the country's charge were 2 trailblazers who cemented their status as pioneers of women's sport. Saina Nehwal broke the Chinese monopoly in Women's Badminton by winning the Bronze medal at the games. While Boxing Legend Mary Kom too earned a bronze, which was a defining moment in an already glorious career. Chief coach of the India Badminton team, Pullela Gopichand and Olympic Gold Quest CEO Viren Rasquinha trace the remarkable journey's of these two Sporting Greats in a conversation with Wion Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo.

WION Broadband Olympic Edition: Nehwal & Mary Kom's Olympic high in 2012

Indian Badminton had a rich legacy thanks to the feats of Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand but the cupboard was bare when it came to the women's events. The emergence of Saina Nehwal in 2006 boosted the popularity of the sport and her rise up the World rankings drew an entirely new generation to the sport. Nehwal would cBadap an amazing run as the pioneer of Indian Badminton by winning the Bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics and breaking the Chinese monopoly over the event. Gopichand and OGQ CEO Viren Rasquinha look back on Nehwal's journey to the Olympic medal.

WION Broadband Olympic Edition: Saina ends Chinese monopoly at London 2012

Indian badminton coach Pullela Gopichand wants the top minds in Indian sport to brainstorm on how to approach the postponed Tokyo Olympics. Gopichand admits the 15 month delay could see more Indian shuttlers qualify for the games and details how he is relying on online sessions to keep his players fit.

Legendry coach Gopichand: Holding the all England open in Birmingham was a mistake

Badminton is one of the sports to be hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has cancelled a host of events like the Australian Open, Thailand Open 2020, Indonesia Open 2020, Russian Open 2020, among others. There's even&nbsp;major uncertainty on the qualification scenario for the Tokyo Olympics when it comes to badminton, which was postponed to 2021 amid the coronavirus pandemic. Furthermore, the athletes have been restricted to train indoors in a bid to stay fit whenever the sporting action resumes.

The Chief National Coach for the Indian Badminton team, the only Indian sportsperson to win both Khel Ratna and Dronacharya award, Pullela Gopichand, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke on a lot of topics ranging from the importance of remaining physically and mentally fit during lockdown, being friends with technology to keep up the training regimes, the postponed Olympics, idea of quarantine facility for Olympic hopefuls and much more...

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="https://w3.cdn.anvato.net/player/prod/v3/anvload.html?key=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%3D%3D" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Digvijay Singh Deo: Now Gopi is usually a very busy man and I have once had to wake up at 5:30 am to interview him. But for this interview, we both had to coordinate the online class timings of our sons. Must say online classes are a boon during these thought times...

<o:p></o:p>

Gopichand:&nbsp;The online classes keep the kids busy, otherwise they would be a quite tough to handle in these times

DSD: The family must be pretty surprised to see you at home Gopi all this while. Your day starts and ends at the academy mostly in normal times...

Gopichand: Surprisingly, it's not been bad till now, I've enjoyed my stay at home. I returned from the UK on the 15th of March, which was a very sensitive time. I put myself in quarantine for two weeks even though it wasn't mandatory for me at that time. My wife and kids only joined me last week. So overall, I've enjoyed my time at home. My parents are staying at my house in Hyderabad since it is more important for them to be safe, and I've come to the farmhouse along with my wife and kids.

DSD: What’s happening with your academies?&nbsp;They are pretty big and is any anyone looking after the basic maintenance?

Gopichand: Only a skeletal housekeeping staff is operating at the academy now since we've been closed for a month.

DSD: There were a few players who decided to opt-out of the All England and they left the academy and returned home after some cases were reported in the vicinity...

Gopichand: I think that period in early March, people were sceptical about travelling anywhere in the world because the disease had started to spread in the UK. It was already a crisis in Italy, so players were a bit apprehensive of going for the tournament. With health and safety being a priority, the players decided it would be best for them to skip the all England championship.

<img alt="Pulella Gopichand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43524156-9acc-4824-962a-e3c28eb13dbb" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Hkg10096807.jpg" />

DSD:&nbsp;In hindsight do you think all of you took a huge risk in travelling to Birmingham for the All England Championships?&nbsp;It is a very prestigious championship and one of your most memorable triumphs as well. 
&nbsp; 
Gopichand: I was clear I didn't want to go, nor did I want the players to travel.but it was the players' choice which prevailed and I obviously had to go with them. I didn't have an option. My initial plan was not to go, but at the last moment our Korean coach Park Tae Sang wasn't able to travel due to some restrictions and some members of the support staff also dropped out. So it became mandatory for me to travel with the team. I think conducting the All England Championship was a huge risk. I was of that opinion before the tournament as well and still hold the same view. I did advise some players like HS Prannoy, Sameer Verma and Sourabh Verma against travelling for the tournament since it would not greatly affect their world rankings or Olympic qualification chances.from an organisational point of view, I do believe that the tournament should not have taken place

DSD: You are a hard taskmaster so have you got some kind of online classes going for the players...

Gopichand: We are using online platforms to have fitness sessions for all our players. There is a trainer who holds the morning session and there is a strength and conditioning session in the evening as well. We are roughly managing to do about 11 sessions in a week. Of course, it's not the same as being out on the court, but we have to make to with what we have. We have to keep ourselves in good shape physically and mentally during the lockdown. 
&nbsp; 
DSD: How essential is it not to lose your fitness during this period Gopi?&nbsp;Badminton is an extremely gruelling sport and if you are not&nbsp;hundred per cent it sort of shows on the court. 
&nbsp; 
Gopichand: Staying fit is of paramount importance during these times, any players who fail to maintain his or her physical fitness during the lockdown is going to suffer.players often have injuries, when they are not able to do much, but they are still able to do their mental training, visualisation and a little bit of strengthening. Some of these things do not require much space, what you need is a yearning to learn. In terms of the badminton calendar, we don't know what the scenario is or what it will be after in six months or a year. All we can do is that ensure the players are in good physical shape whenever it starts. I've always maintained this mantra, that the 'process is the goal'. So, even during the lockdown, the players must prepare and be ready for the next tournament whenever that may be.

DSD: Do you have any sort of an indication as to when the calendar will resume? As things stand even October 2020 seems a stretch especially with long term travel restrictions in place. 
&nbsp; 
Gopichand:&nbsp;We can speculate all we want, but I would rather focus on being prepared for whenever tournaments return. The players have to keep busy during the lockdown and train hard every day in whatever capacity they can, that's all we can do at the moment. Action could return in October 2020, or in October 2021, its just speculation at the moment. With or without the lockdown, the process should be the goal. Athletes have to keep themselves motivated and push themselves day in and day out, with whatever resources they have.

<img alt="Pulella Gopichand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64c5e6aa-0120-45c3-9eeb-53add128c843" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_UQ6U5.jpg" /> 
&nbsp; 
DSD: At some point, the global calendar will resume but will it fair, I have heard that in a few countries where the virus has been contained practice is on like China and Chinese Taipei and those players will be the main rivals for our players. 
&nbsp; 
Gopichand:&nbsp;Sport has never been fair. It is the best of what an athlete can make of whatever circumstances he or she has been given and the players who have the best facilities available to them don't always win. The scenario is also not as bad as some people might think. Right now tournaments have been suspended till July. But if BWF were to announce that tournaments would resume after that, there would be at least a two month notice period for all the players, since the various arrangements would have to be made for travel, accommodation and training. So I think that time is sufficient for players to prepare if their physical fitness has not deteriorated during the lockdown. 
&nbsp; 
DSD: Let’s get to the Olympics now and the way things were shaping up would you consider it a positive thing for Indian badminton considering we were probably going to have just 2 entries had the games gone ahead as per schedule. 
&nbsp; 
Gopichand:&nbsp;Yes, I think most coaches would have agreed to postpone the games for a year. Last year was extremely hectic and players were hardly getting any time to train, and only a small part of the qualification period was left. Now with the whole year available to the players, it is a good time for them to rest, train and get back. 
&nbsp; 
DSD: I must say that I found the BWF leadership during the crisis extremely shoddy. The Olympic qualifying process is sacrosanct and it is four years of toil for a player. I do not think they were being fair by denying opportunities to players with so many cancellations happening. What do you think? 
&nbsp; 
Gopichand:&nbsp;The Olympic qualification period was ending in April, and tournaments had been suspended from the second week of March. So there were about eight weeks to go for the qualification period the BWF still hasn't announced the new qualification norms. I would want to see them consider the 44 weeks of the qualification period that had been completed&nbsp;since all the players and coaches assumed that those would form apart of the qualifiers. The rest of the eight weeks that were left should be adjusted, so whatever tournaments that have been lost should take place either next year in March and April or sometime this year. Every tournament that was suspended should be replaced with an equally graded tournament. I would believe that the BWF would be planning something like that, so players won't have to pay for the tournament cancellations. 
&nbsp; 
DSD: World Athletics has stopped all Olympic qualifying till December 1. What sort of timelines should the BWF come up with considering that the IOC deadline is June end of 2021? Should there be a 10-tournament swing starting December to decide on the Olympic berths perhaps?

Gopichand: I believe that the 44 weeks of the Olympic qualification period that has been completed, should be frozen. In badminton, the Olympic spots are not determined by a particular tournament or event, they are decided by an aggregate number of points. In that kind of scenario, it makes sense to retain he ranking for the already-completed period, and the remaining tournaments that were part of the qualifiers can take place in the same months next year.one of the dangers of this lockdown is that the players who are in a comfortable position to qualify at the moment, might get complacent and not train enough.

So because their slot is all but confirmed, those players might not perform at the highest level at the tournaments. I think whatever new qualification norms the BWF announces, it is bound to be criticised by various nations because those countries will look at the process from their own perspective with regards to how the norms will benefit their players' chances of qualification. But I think it is fair to give time to the BWF to decide on the new norms.

<img alt="Pulella Gopichand" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1330ddee-0e25-4659-a629-5d81ecc60aa9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1JT00O.jpg" /> 
&nbsp; 
DSD: Do you also have to recalibrate your approach that has worked so well in the last. Ahead of an Olympics you usually work intensely for two to three months with the players. And it has paid off in London 2012 and Rio 2016. I am not sure you will get that much time for 2021 especially if the qualifying race gets tight. 
&nbsp; 
Gopichand: I think the situation is different when compared to the 2008, 2012 or 2016 Olympics, the players are at a different level. We have foreign coaches and specialised event coaches as part of our support staff. So this time my role will be different. I will look at things more closely when the tournament schedule is out and decide on the best plan for each player. 
&nbsp; 
DSD: Abhinav Bindra told me a few weeks back that the experienced players will cope with this delay better than the younger ones. For example, this works out very well for Kento Momota who was recovering from that car accident in Malaysia.&nbsp;Is it time for the best minds in Indian sport to get together and chart out a collective way forward. Every sport is currently in its own cocoon but I think when it comes to the mental approach you can learn from shooting, perhaps hockey can be able to share more tips about fitness. Since the Sports Authority of India pays most salaries the ministry can get everyone together for a two to three-day summit. Can that work?

Gopichand: I think the next few months will be very critical. Right now the lockdown is till may 3rd, but it could very well be extended. Our athletes might not get tournament exposure for the next few months at least. It will definitely help if top sporting minds come together to work out a plan that will benefit all Indian athletes. It might even be a good idea to look at a quarantine facility for Olympic hopefuls from all sports. For example, since inter-city travel is not possible, athletes from the same city can stay at a facility which allows them to train for the upcoming events. We might also have to plan for domestic leagues and tournaments because restrictions in India could be lifted before those of other countries. &nbsp;Since global tournaments would not be taking place, there will be a need to replace those with quality domestic competitions to make up for the loss of international exposure.

We are going through an unprecedented crisis, so adjustments need to be made. For example, I had never used a mobile phone application for training, but we are forced to do that now and that has become the norm. So we are looking at different ways to help the players enhance their skills during this lockdown. Adaptability is the key, we have to make quick decisions and think out of the box 
&nbsp;

Badminton is one of the sports to be hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has cancelled a host of events like the Australian Open, Thailand Open 2020, Indonesia Open 2020, Russian Open 2020, among others.

Badminton is one of the sports to be hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has cancelled a host of events like the Australian Open, Thailand Open 2020, Indonesia Open 2020, Russian Open 2020, among others. There's even major uncertainty on the qualification scenario for the Tokyo Olympics when it comes to badminton, which was postponed to 2021 amid the coronavirus pandemic. Furthermore, the athletes have been restricted to train indoors in a bid to stay fit whenever the sporting action resumes. The Chief National Coach for the Indian Badminton team, the only Indian sportsperson to win both Khel Ratna and Dronacharya award, Pullela Gopichand, in an exclusive interview with WION’s Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke on a lot of topics ranging from the importance of remaining physically and mentally fit during lockdown, being friends with technology to keep up the training regimes, the postponed Olympics, idea of quarantine facility for Olympic hopefuls and much more... × Digvijay Singh Deo: Now Gopi is usually a very busy man and I have once had to wake up at 5:30 am to interview him. But for this interview, we both had to coordinate the online class timings of our sons. Must say online classes are a boon during these thought times... Gopichand: The online classes keep the kids busy, otherwise they would be a quite tough to handle in these times DSD: The family must be pretty surprised to see you at home Gopi all this while. Your day starts and ends at the academy mostly in normal times... Gopichand: Surprisingly, it's not been bad till now, I've enjoyed my stay at home. I returned from the UK on the 15th of March, which was a very sensitive time. I put myself in quarantine for two weeks even though it wasn't mandatory for me at that time. My wife and kids only joined me last week. So overall, I've enjoyed my time at home. My parents are staying at my house in Hyderabad since it is more important for them to be safe, and I've come to the farmhouse along with my wife and kids. DSD: What’s happening with your academies? They are pretty big and is any anyone looking after the basic maintenance? Gopichand: Only a skeletal housekeeping staff is operating at the academy now since we've been closed for a month. DSD: There were a few players who decided to opt-out of the All England and they left the academy and returned home after some cases were reported in the vicinity... Gopichand: I think that period in early March, people were sceptical about travelling anywhere in the world because the disease had started to spread in the UK. It was already a crisis in Italy, so players were a bit apprehensive of going for the tournament. With health and safety being a priority, the players decided it would be best for them to skip the all England championship. DSD: In hindsight do you think all of you took a huge risk in travelling to Birmingham for the All England Championships? It is a very prestigious championship and one of your most memorable triumphs as well. Gopichand: I was clear I didn't want to go, nor did I want the players to travel.but it was the players' choice which prevailed and I obviously had to go with them. I didn't have an option. My initial plan was not to go, but at the last moment our Korean coach Park Tae Sang wasn't able to travel due to some restrictions and some members of the support staff also dropped out. So it became mandatory for me to travel with the team. I think conducting the All England Championship was a huge risk. I was of that opinion before the tournament as well and still hold the same view. I did advise some players like HS Prannoy, Sameer Verma and Sourabh Verma against travelling for the tournament since it would not greatly affect their world rankings or Olympic qualification chances.from an organisational point of view, I do believe that the tournament should not have taken place DSD: You are a hard taskmaster so have you got some kind of online classes going for the players... Gopichand: We are using online platforms to have fitness sessions for all our players. There is a trainer who holds the morning session and there is a strength and conditioning session in the evening as well. We are roughly managing to do about 11 sessions in a week. Of course, it's not the same as being out on the court, but we have to make to with what we have. We have to keep ourselves in good shape physically and mentally during the lockdown. DSD: How essential is it not to lose your fitness during this period Gopi? Badminton is an extremely gruelling sport and if you are not hundred per cent it sort of shows on the court. Gopichand: Staying fit is of paramount importance during these times, any players who fail to maintain his or her physical fitness during the lockdown is going to suffer.players often have injuries, when they are not able to do much, but they are still able to do their mental training, visualisation and a little bit of strengthening. Some of these things do not require much space, what you need is a yearning to learn. In terms of the badminton calendar, we don't know what the scenario is or what it will be after in six months or a year. All we can do is that ensure the players are in good physical shape whenever it starts. I've always maintained this mantra, that the 'process is the goal'. So, even during the lockdown, the players must prepare and be ready for the next tournament whenever that may be. DSD: Do you have any sort of an indication as to when the calendar will resume? As things stand even October 2020 seems a stretch especially with long term travel restrictions in place. Gopichand: We can speculate all we want, but I would rather focus on being prepared for whenever tournaments return. The players have to keep busy during the lockdown and train hard every day in whatever capacity they can, that's all we can do at the moment. Action could return in October 2020, or in October 2021, its just speculation at the moment. With or without the lockdown, the process should be the goal. Athletes have to keep themselves motivated and push themselves day in and day out, with whatever resources they have. DSD: At some point, the global calendar will resume but will it fair, I have heard that in a few countries where the virus has been contained practice is on like China and Chinese Taipei and those players will be the main rivals for our players. Gopichand: Sport has never been fair. It is the best of what an athlete can make of whatever circumstances he or she has been given and the players who have the best facilities available to them don't always win. The scenario is also not as bad as some people might think. Right now tournaments have been suspended till July. But if BWF were to announce that tournaments would resume after that, there would be at least a two month notice period for all the players, since the various arrangements would have to be made for travel, accommodation and training. So I think that time is sufficient for players to prepare if their physical fitness has not deteriorated during the lockdown. DSD: Let’s get to the Olympics now and the way things were shaping up would you consider it a positive thing for Indian badminton considering we were probably going to have just 2 entries had the games gone ahead as per schedule. Gopichand: Yes, I think most coaches would have agreed to postpone the games for a year. Last year was extremely hectic and players were hardly getting any time to train, and only a small part of the qualification period was left. Now with the whole year available to the players, it is a good time for them to rest, train and get back. DSD: I must say that I found the BWF leadership during the crisis extremely shoddy. The Olympic qualifying process is sacrosanct and it is four years of toil for a player. I do not think they were being fair by denying opportunities to players with so many cancellations happening. What do you think? Gopichand: The Olympic qualification period was ending in April, and tournaments had been suspended from the second week of March. So there were about eight weeks to go for the qualification period the BWF still hasn't announced the new qualification norms. I would want to see them consider the 44 weeks of the qualification period that had been completed since all the players and coaches assumed that those would form apart of the qualifiers. The rest of the eight weeks that were left should be adjusted, so whatever tournaments that have been lost should take place either next year in March and April or sometime this year. Every tournament that was suspended should be replaced with an equally graded tournament. I would believe that the BWF would be planning something like that, so players won't have to pay for the tournament cancellations. DSD: World Athletics has stopped all Olympic qualifying till December 1. What sort of timelines should the BWF come up with considering that the IOC deadline is June end of 2021? Should there be a 10-tournament swing starting December to decide on the Olympic berths perhaps? Gopichand: I believe that the 44 weeks of the Olympic qualification period that has been completed, should be frozen. In badminton, the Olympic spots are not determined by a particular tournament or event, they are decided by an aggregate number of points. In that kind of scenario, it makes sense to retain he ranking for the already-completed period, and the remaining tournaments that were part of the qualifiers can take place in the same months next year.one of the dangers of this lockdown is that the players who are in a comfortable position to qualify at the moment, might get complacent and not train enough. So because their slot is all but confirmed, those players might not perform at the highest level at the tournaments. I think whatever new qualification norms the BWF announces, it is bound to be criticised by various nations because those countries will look at the process from their own perspective with regards to how the norms will benefit their players' chances of qualification. But I think it is fair to give time to the BWF to decide on the new norms. DSD: Do you also have to recalibrate your approach that has worked so well in the last. Ahead of an Olympics you usually work intensely for two to three months with the players. And it has paid off in London 2012 and Rio 2016. I am not sure you will get that much time for 2021 especially if the qualifying race gets tight. Gopichand: I think the situation is different when compared to the 2008, 2012 or 2016 Olympics, the players are at a different level. We have foreign coaches and specialised event coaches as part of our support staff. So this time my role will be different. I will look at things more closely when the tournament schedule is out and decide on the best plan for each player. DSD: Abhinav Bindra told me a few weeks back that the experienced players will cope with this delay better than the younger ones. For example, this works out very well for Kento Momota who was recovering from that car accident in Malaysia. Is it time for the best minds in Indian sport to get together and chart out a collective way forward. Every sport is currently in its own cocoon but I think when it comes to the mental approach you can learn from shooting, perhaps hockey can be able to share more tips about fitness. Since the Sports Authority of India pays most salaries the ministry can get everyone together for a two to three-day summit. Can that work? Gopichand: I think the next few months will be very critical. Right now the lockdown is till may 3rd, but it could very well be extended. Our athletes might not get tournament exposure for the next few months at least. It will definitely help if top sporting minds come together to work out a plan that will benefit all Indian athletes. It might even be a good idea to look at a quarantine facility for Olympic hopefuls from all sports. For example, since inter-city travel is not possible, athletes from the same city can stay at a facility which allows them to train for the upcoming events. We might also have to plan for domestic leagues and tournaments because restrictions in India could be lifted before those of other countries. Since global tournaments would not be taking place, there will be a need to replace those with quality domestic competitions to make up for the loss of international exposure. We are going through an unprecedented crisis, so adjustments need to be made. For example, I had never used a mobile phone application for training, but we are forced to do that now and that has become the norm. So we are looking at different ways to help the players enhance their skills during this lockdown. Adaptability is the key, we have to make quick decisions and think out of the box

Exclusive: 'Might be a good idea to look at quarantine facility for Olympic hopefuls' - Pullela Gopichand opens up on  postponed Games and more

The Chief National Coach of Indian badminton team, Pullela Gopichand has been stamped quarantine for next 14 days by the Telangana authorities after the former badminton player rushed to Guntur, Andhra Pradesh from Hyderabad, Telangana to see his ailing grandmother on Monday.&nbsp;

Speaking to Zee Media, Gopichand disclosed that he had rushed to Guntur from Hyderabad to see his grandmother, who is not keeping up well. However, while he was returning, he was marked quarantine by the Telangana authorities.&nbsp;

The recipient of Padma Bhushan also clarified that he does not have any symptoms and the quarantine stamp is part of the norms. Gopichand further stated that he will abide by the quarantine rules and stay at home.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-might-be-a-good-idea-to-look-at-quarantine-facility-for-olympic-hopefuls-pullela-gopichand-opens-up-on-postponed-games-and-more-292727">Exclusive: 'Might be a good idea to look at quarantine facility for Olympic hopefuls' - Pullela Gopichand opens up on postponed Games and more</a>

Meanwhile, with sporting action coming to a halt amid the COVID-19 pandemic and almost all the tournaments and events getting either postponed or cancelled, Gopichand had suggested building a quarantine facility for Olympic hopefuls ahead of Tokyo Games which was pushed back to 2021 in the wake of the pandemic.&nbsp;

“It might even be a good idea to look at a quarantine facility for Olympic hopefuls from all sports. For example, since inter-city travel is not possible, athletes from the same city can stay at a facility which allows them to train for the upcoming events. We might also have to plan for domestic leagues and tournaments because restrictions in India could be lifted before those of other countries. &nbsp;Since global tournaments would not be taking place, there will be a need to replace those with quality domestic competitions to make up for the loss of international exposure,” Gopichand had told WION in an exclusive interview.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-staring-at-loss-of-half-a-billion-dollars-if-ipl-2020-is-cancelled-298168" hreflang="en">BCCI staring at loss of half a billion dollars if IPL 2020 is cancelled</a>

“We are going through an unprecedented crisis, so adjustments need to be made. For example, I had never used a mobile phone application for training, but we are forced to do that now and that has become the norm. So we are looking at different ways to help the players enhance their skills during this lockdown. Adaptability is the key, we have to make quick decisions and think out of the box,” he had added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chief National Coach of Indian badminton team, Pullela Gopichand has been stamped quarantine for next 14 days by the Telangana authorities after the former badminton player rushed to Guntur, Andhra Pradesh from Hyderabad, Telangana to see his ailing grandmother on Monday.

The Chief National Coach of Indian badminton team, Pullela Gopichand has been stamped quarantine for next 14 days by the Telangana authorities after the former badminton player rushed to Guntur, Andhra Pradesh from Hyderabad, Telangana to see his ailing grandmother on Monday. Speaking to Zee Media, Gopichand disclosed that he had rushed to Guntur from Hyderabad to see his grandmother, who is not keeping up well. However, while he was returning, he was marked quarantine by the Telangana authorities. The recipient of Padma Bhushan also clarified that he does not have any symptoms and the quarantine stamp is part of the norms. Gopichand further stated that he will abide by the quarantine rules and stay at home. ALSO READ: Exclusive: 'Might be a good idea to look at quarantine facility for Olympic hopefuls' - Pullela Gopichand opens up on postponed Games and more Meanwhile, with sporting action coming to a halt amid the COVID-19 pandemic and almost all the tournaments and events getting either postponed or cancelled, Gopichand had suggested building a quarantine facility for Olympic hopefuls ahead of Tokyo Games which was pushed back to 2021 in the wake of the pandemic. “It might even be a good idea to look at a quarantine facility for Olympic hopefuls from all sports. For example, since inter-city travel is not possible, athletes from the same city can stay at a facility which allows them to train for the upcoming events. We might also have to plan for domestic leagues and tournaments because restrictions in India could be lifted before those of other countries. Since global tournaments would not be taking place, there will be a need to replace those with quality domestic competitions to make up for the loss of international exposure,” Gopichand had told WION in an exclusive interview. ALSO READ: BCCI staring at loss of half a billion dollars if IPL 2020 is cancelled “We are going through an unprecedented crisis, so adjustments need to be made. For example, I had never used a mobile phone application for training, but we are forced to do that now and that has become the norm. So we are looking at different ways to help the players enhance their skills during this lockdown. Adaptability is the key, we have to make quick decisions and think out of the box,” he had added.

Pullela Gopichand placed under quarantine for 14 days after visiting Guntur to see ailing grandmother

Head coach Pullela Gopichand and Foreign Coach Kim Ji Hyun were also congratulated by PM Modi

PM Modi felicitates Sindhu at his residence

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu and coach Pullela Gopichand spoke exclusively to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo. Sindhu admitted that the last 48 hours were so hectic for her that she barely got the time to celebrate her long-awaited win.&nbsp;

"It was a dream! We've been waiting for this win and finally it has happened, so I am very, very happy," she said.

She thanked her mentor and coach Gopichand and said he never gave up on her even when she tasted defeat.&nbsp;

"Every time I lose, he is like, 'it is okay, next time'," Sindhu said. &nbsp;

Gopi, humbled by Sindhu's words, added that he had never imagined that he will go so far in this journey.&nbsp;

"When I started, I never knew that this will go so far. I just had a dream and the energy to push. God has been kind and with the support of a lot of people we have been able to achieve what we have achieved," he stated. &nbsp;

India's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-championships-2019-indias-pv-sindhu-wins-maiden-gold-medal-245549">star shuttler PV Sindhu</a> registered a stellar win at the World Championship 2019 on Sunday.

Sindhu scripted history after defeating Nozomi Okuhara of Japan 21-7, 21-7 to clinch her maiden BWF World Championships title which she described as "a much-needed victory".

Sindhu on Sunday made the country proud by becoming the first Indian to become a world champion. This is Sindhu's fifth world championship medal, she holds two silvers and a couple of bronze.

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu and coach Pullela Gopichand spoke exclusively to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo. Sindhu admitted that the last 48 hours were so hectic for her that she barely got the time to celebrate her long-awaited win.

India's star shuttler PV Sindhu and coach Pullela Gopichand spoke exclusively to WION's Digvijay Singh Deo. Sindhu admitted that the last 48 hours were so hectic for her that she barely got the time to celebrate her long-awaited win. "It was a dream! We've been waiting for this win and finally it has happened, so I am very, very happy," she said. She thanked her mentor and coach Gopichand and said he never gave up on her even when she tasted defeat. "Every time I lose, he is like, 'it is okay, next time'," Sindhu said. Gopi, humbled by Sindhu's words, added that he had never imagined that he will go so far in this journey. "When I started, I never knew that this will go so far. I just had a dream and the energy to push. God has been kind and with the support of a lot of people we have been able to achieve what we have achieved," he stated. India's star shuttler PV Sindhu registered a stellar win at the World Championship 2019 on Sunday. Sindhu scripted history after defeating Nozomi Okuhara of Japan 21-7, 21-7 to clinch her maiden BWF World Championships title which she described as "a much-needed victory". Sindhu on Sunday made the country proud by becoming the first Indian to become a world champion. This is Sindhu's fifth world championship medal, she holds two silvers and a couple of bronze.

Whenever I lose, he is like 'it's okay, we'll try next time': PV Sindhu on coach Pullela Gopichand

Indian shuttler <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=PV+Sindhu">PV Sindhu</a>&nbsp;on Sunday hoped no one will ever question her ability to win big titles, relieved at breaking the finals jinx with a historic triumph at the World Tour Finals here.

After losing seven successive summit clashes, Olympic silver medallist Sindhu finally settled her finals blues with a 21-19 21-17 win over Japan's Nozomi Okuhara to lift the prestigious season-ending trophy.

"I feel really happy. I have no words because it is my first win this year after coming and losing in the finals, so it was memorable. The year has ended on a beautiful note," said Sindhu, who won silvers at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and World Championships this year.

"Somewhere every time people have been asking me the same question. I hope the question won't again come to me, asking why all the time coming to the finals I lose. I think I can say now that I won a gold and I am really very proud."

Her mentor and chief India coach Pullela Gopichand also stressed the importance of Sindhu crossing the final hurdle.

"There has been a lot of talk of her losing the finals and I think that at least, not for anybody else but for Sindhu's mind, I think it is important she lost in the final with a comprehensive big win," he said."People have been waiting for it and it is great to have this win at the end of the year."

Talking about her title win, world number six Sindhu said: "The last to last year I lost in the semifinal and last year I finished runners-up. This time I am the winner, so it is a beautiful tournament for me as I won all matches in the league stages and also the semifinals and finals.

"I would definitely enjoy the moment as I am here. Next, we have the Indian league (Premier badminton League), so I will go directly for that and I hope to do well there so that would be all for the year."

Sindhu, who had lost in the finals in the last edition, said she sometimes lost focus during the title clash.

"It was a good match. Overall there was a lot of rallies. Sometimes I was remembering about the last final but I tried to focus again on the match," she said."Whenever I play against Okuhara or Yamaguchi I never think it would be easy. I know every time it would be tough. Today also the rallies were 30-40 strokes, but I gave my 100 per cent and I won. Okuhara also played very well."

Asked about her targets for next year, Sindhu said: "Next year it will be Olympic qualification year and we have to keep ourself fit and strategies which tournaments to play and we will have Malaysia and Indonesia coming up next year."

Badminton Association of India President Himanta Biswa Sarma congratulated Sindhu.

"It is a great year-ending for Indian badminton. Sindhu winning the Tours Final and defeating the best players in the world in the process indicates journey of Indian badminton in the right direction," said Sarma.&nbsp;

"I congratulate the Sindhu on behalf of entire Badminton Association of India.

Indian shuttler PV Sindhu on Sunday hoped no one will ever question her ability to win big titles, relieved at breaking the finals jinx with a historic triumph at the World Tour Finals here.

Indian shuttler PV Sindhu on Sunday hoped no one will ever question her ability to win big titles, relieved at breaking the finals jinx with a historic triumph at the World Tour Finals here. After losing seven successive summit clashes, Olympic silver medallist Sindhu finally settled her finals blues with a 21-19 21-17 win over Japan's Nozomi Okuhara to lift the prestigious season-ending trophy. "I feel really happy. I have no words because it is my first win this year after coming and losing in the finals, so it was memorable. The year has ended on a beautiful note," said Sindhu, who won silvers at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and World Championships this year. "Somewhere every time people have been asking me the same question. I hope the question won't again come to me, asking why all the time coming to the finals I lose. I think I can say now that I won a gold and I am really very proud." Her mentor and chief India coach Pullela Gopichand also stressed the importance of Sindhu crossing the final hurdle. "There has been a lot of talk of her losing the finals and I think that at least, not for anybody else but for Sindhu's mind, I think it is important she lost in the final with a comprehensive big win," he said."People have been waiting for it and it is great to have this win at the end of the year." Talking about her title win, world number six Sindhu said: "The last to last year I lost in the semifinal and last year I finished runners-up. This time I am the winner, so it is a beautiful tournament for me as I won all matches in the league stages and also the semifinals and finals. "I would definitely enjoy the moment as I am here. Next, we have the Indian league (Premier badminton League), so I will go directly for that and I hope to do well there so that would be all for the year." Sindhu, who had lost in the finals in the last edition, said she sometimes lost focus during the title clash. "It was a good match. Overall there was a lot of rallies. Sometimes I was remembering about the last final but I tried to focus again on the match," she said."Whenever I play against Okuhara or Yamaguchi I never think it would be easy. I know every time it would be tough. Today also the rallies were 30-40 strokes, but I gave my 100 per cent and I won. Okuhara also played very well." Asked about her targets for next year, Sindhu said: "Next year it will be Olympic qualification year and we have to keep ourself fit and strategies which tournaments to play and we will have Malaysia and Indonesia coming up next year." Badminton Association of India President Himanta Biswa Sarma congratulated Sindhu. "It is a great year-ending for Indian badminton. Sindhu winning the Tours Final and defeating the best players in the world in the process indicates journey of Indian badminton in the right direction," said Sarma. "I congratulate the Sindhu on behalf of entire Badminton Association of India.

Hope no one will now question my ability to win big titles: Sindhu after maiden WTF title

Indian star and world number 2 Kidambi Srikanth has to wait to clinch his fifth super series title of the year, as the shuttler has pulled out from the China Open Super Series, beginning in Fuzhou on November 14.

Srikanth has withdrawn from the series in the wake of an injury.

Talking to ANI, he said, &quot;There is muscle strain and my doctor has suggested me to take at least one week rest. So this is the reason I am not playing the China Open.&quot;

The Pullela Gopichand protege recently established him as world number 2 in the latest BWF men&#39;s singles ratings, trailing Denmark&#39;s Victor Alexon by 4527 points in the world rankings.

When asked if there is chance for him to climb to the top spot, the 24-year-old replied in an affirmative matter.

&quot;Yes. But with the injury, I can&#39;t manage the upcoming tournament. So I need to take rest and recover.&quot;

Last month, the Hyderabadi shuttler won the French Open and lifted his fourth Super Series title of the year. He has already clinched the Denmark Open Super Series Premier, the Indonesia Open Super Series Premier and Australian Open Super Series earlier this year.

Srikanth pulled out in the wake of an injury

Indian star and world number 2 Kidambi Srikanth has to wait to clinch his fifth super series title of the year, as the shuttler has pulled out from the China Open Super Series, beginning in Fuzhou on November 14. Srikanth has withdrawn from the series in the wake of an injury. Talking to ANI, he said, "There is muscle strain and my doctor has suggested me to take at least one week rest. So this is the reason I am not playing the China Open." The Pullela Gopichand protege recently established him as world number 2 in the latest BWF men's singles ratings, trailing Denmark's Victor Alexon by 4527 points in the world rankings. When asked if there is chance for him to climb to the top spot, the 24-year-old replied in an affirmative matter. "Yes. But with the injury, I can't manage the upcoming tournament. So I need to take rest and recover." Last month, the Hyderabadi shuttler won the French Open and lifted his fourth Super Series title of the year. He has already clinched the Denmark Open Super Series Premier, the Indonesia Open Super Series Premier and Australian Open Super Series earlier this year.

Kidambi Srikanth pulls out of China Open Super Series

pullela-gopichand

Pullela Gopichand, News on Pullela Gopichand, stories on Pullela Gopichand, articles on Pullela Gopichand, Pullela Gopichand stories at Wion, Pullela Gopichand news, Pullela Gopichand latest news

pullela gopichand