I think there is lot more which they can achieve: Pullela Gopichand

With the recent performances of the Indian shuttlers including P. V. Sindhu and B. Sai Praneeth, national chief coach is quite satisfied. All these years it was only women badminton players about whom India is much talking about. Now it is about men players as well. That is the really good start and that’s not enough.

New champion, B. Sai Praneeth, who won Singapore Open and All India Open winner, P. V Sindhu were felicitated at an event in the month of April. Speaking to Sportstar he said that they can achieve more. “Well I think there is definitely a lot of satisfaction. But, having said that the potential which the players have, I think there is lot more which they can achieve,” said Gopichand.

He added, “We are in great position and all of them are very young and have got more years of badminton left in them. It augurs very well for Indian Badminton and not many countries in the world can actually boast of the kind of players we have.”

Talking about the recent feats Indian players have received since past one year, “We have won many medals or events first time ever in our history and I hope that we can better all of those things. Whether it is the Olympic medal colour or whether consistency in terms of Super Series (tournaments) or events like the World Championships and the All England which are the prized possessions,” said the national chief coach.

“I think, the next level would be to ensure that we win those big tournaments like Sudirman Cup and Thomas Uber cup, and we win medals at the Asian and Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. It is good that we are in a position where we think that these are achievable,” Gopichand added.

Gopichand expressed contentment over players’ fitness and efforts saying, “I would like to say that by huge amount of push of energy we have been able to get all the players in certain level. They have put in their efforts. I am happy about their fitness levels, a lot of support from all staff and we have been able to structure the things a lot better."