CHENNAI: Few youngsters of this generation know that at a time when every celebrity endorsed any product that came his/her way, badminton player and coach P Gopichand chose to be different. In his prime, he refused to endorse aerated soft drinks because he believed they were harmful to children and sportspersons.
So, it was apt that he inaugurated the World Yoga festival, alongside music director Sivamani. Gopi, as he is affectionately known, believes that the coming tournaments will be tough for his pupil, PV Sindhu, and bets that Saina Nehwal, who has just restarted training after recovering from surgery, will bounce back to her best. Excerpts...
After an exceptional Rio experience, can Sindhu deliver at the Denmark Open?
Of course, expectations will be there. As a young athlete, a player who has just come back from the Olympics and enjoyed such adulation, it is going to be tough for her. But she has to get used to it and we will take it as it comes.
How has the training been?
I think whatever time we had, she has managed to pull out and do some amount of training. She worked really hard in the last few days. Of course, there was travel and stuff, but wherever and whenever possible we squeezed enough time to prepare.
What are the areas that Sindhu needs to improve?
She needs to improve in every area. She is not a complete player. The good thing is that she is young. What we saw in the Olympics is very encouraging and she has huge potential. She can definitely go much farther.
Sindhu is a celebrity now. In the IPL, fame and money have led to a lack of focus in some cases. Is she level-headed?
Her parents have a certain pedigree as sportspersons who have played at the highest level, so that helps. She is somebody who will take fame in her stride and focus on her game.
After knee surgery, Saina has begun training again. How long will it take for her to be back on the circuit?
She is probably planning to play in December. She is an experienced player and has somebody (Vimal Kumar) who has had great results in the past. So, I expect her to come back strongly.
Why couldn’t the men’s Olympic squad complement the women’s showing?
In the last two Olympics, we have had to deal with quarterfinal losses. Srikanth beat World No 5 and then lost to Lin Dan, in a close match. If we look at the way Srikanth played in Rio, it is something to be proud of.
Can you name just two men who can make the cut?
There are six or seven players who can make a mark.
As a national coach, what is your target for the season?
It is too early to say. Post-Olympics, everybody takes time off and starts preparing once again, sets goals and works towards them.
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com