HYDERABAD: It was a forgettable outing for Hyderabad Hunters in the first season of the Premier Badminton League, and the team that looked strong on papers was crushed by every other opponent. Just a win against Bengaluru Topguns is what Hyderabad could manage over the entire season. This is so often the case with star-studded teams.
All that such teams require is some time for players and coaches to gel. But that was not the case last year. And results showed.
Learning from their mistakes, the Hunters are looking to make it count this season, with only one aim in mind — winning the tournament. For this, they have roped in Carolina Marin’s coach Fernando Rivas as head coach. Also, previous year’s coach Rajendra Kumar has been retained by the management. Apparently, this will be the first time a European will be coaching a PBL team, despite the post is usually being dominated by Asians.
“We’re happy to have Fernando and Rajendra as coaches in our team. This combination will ensure our players get the best of both the worlds,” Shyam Gopu, Hyderabad Hunters Group CEO and co-founder, told Express on Sunday.
The talks with Rivas for coaching the Hyderabad outfit started after a successful bid for Carolina Marin was made by the Hunters during the auctions in November. His presence will ensure that the young team gets the right tips at the right moments. It will also be a great boost for former World No 1 Marin to have her personal coach by her side, especially when she is going through a lean patch and trying to make a complete recovery from thigh injury.
“After our successful bid for Carolina, we came to know that Rivas is willing to coach the team. We had a quick discussion with Rajendra about it, and discussed the pros and cons,” added Shyam.
Even Rajendra is looking forward to rubbing shoulders with the Spaniard. According to him, Rivas will get in a lot of experience that Hyderabad needs badly.
“Fernando is a great coach. Look at the hard work he has put in with Marin. We’re hoping to see some glimpses of brilliance here too. Most importantly, it’s his vast experience that counts. Youngsters will benefit a lot under him,” Rajendra opined.
madhav@newindianexpress.com