The Chief National Coach of the Indian National Badminton Team, Pullela Gopichand, has high aspirations from the Indian athletes who have been selected for the forthcoming Tokyo Olympics. The former All England Open Badminton Champion believes that Tokyo 2020 could prove to be the turning point for the Olympic movement in the country. With close to 120 athletes from India set to compete at the Tokyo Olympics Games this year, Pullela Gopichand is hopeful that the Indian contingent can deliver the best on this big stage.
According to the statement released on the Olympic website, during a webinar organised by the National Sports University in Manipur, Pullela Gopichand said, “This is going to be challenging but I do believe that Indian sport is at the crossroads of making a big achievement or a big jump. I hope that we get enough medals, so they give a boost.” He added saying, “There are great things to do in the future. I only wish that the young, enthusiastic Olympic teams are able to deliver so that the arms of the people who are working for the development of the sport in our country are strengthened even more.”
The shuttler from Andhra Pradesh, Pullela Gopichand, has been closely associated with the sporting evolution in India over the past few decades. A coach with a high work ethic similar to that in his playing days noted that the current batch is more prepared for success than ever before.
“The athletes have been supported end to end, I don’t think any athlete can complain or ask for anything better. Although I still would say there is a lot to be done at the grassroots and the intermediate level, the top players have been supported like nothing before, that is something which is amazing,” he added.
At the webinar, Gopichand also restated his belief that Indian sport is heading in the right direction despite the many challenges that need utmost attention to overcome.
However, lastly, he explained saying, “In a country so big, in a sporting eco-system so diverse, it is not easy to find a formula of success. It’s a big challenge but I see we are going forward in the right direction.”
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