JOIN USCalmness is an attribute that has stood Pullela Gopichand in good stead. Over the years, India’s badminton coach has learnt to take victory and defeat with the same spirit and on Friday, he was his normal self even as his ward P V Sindhu basked in silver success.
“I am very happy, and I hope this success continues,” said Gopi after Sindhu went down to Spain’s Carolina Marin to win the silver medal.
Gopi was at hand to console Sindhu as she came out of the court. He had been a source of strength for Sindhu all along the way, egging her on, urging her to keep her focus in trying times and reminding her of the strategy to be followed.
“In every match, she has improved,” noted Gopi, pointing to Sindhu’s win over higher-ranked players as she moved into the final. “She got herself to the highest stage in the world and won the silver medal, which is a fantastic performance. It’s not just the silver, it is the way she has fought. She is a real champion and I am proud of her.”
Gopi, the only person to win the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna as well as the Dronacharya award, added another feather to his cap with Sindhu’s silver. He was Saina Nehwal’s coach when the Hyderabadi won the bronze medal in London 2012 and with this latest success, he underlined his credentials as a master in grooming champions. Gopi said Sindhu can improve and aim for higher honours in the future.
“Even now, she is not playing at the level at which she can play. At every game, we have seen her play new strokes and she has got confidence from each game,” said the former All-England Champion, who felt Sindhu can come back and have another shot at the gold in the next Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.
“She is only 21 and I hope she would play for another eight to ten years. I hope that in the coming months and years, she will get even better.”