New talent hunt initiative by Gopichand Academy

On the occasion of completing one year association of Gopichand Academy with IDBI Federal Life Insurance, the academy will identify ten to fifteen U15 children by its new talent hunt.

Former Mumbai bowler and CEO of IDBI Federal Life Insurance, Vignesh Shahane, said, “We are driven by passion, not money in this grassroots initiative. Whatever needs to be done to produce world champions will be done.”

By uploading a video on the Facebook and Twitter pages of the academy’s existing initiative and the insurance company ‘Quest For Excellence’, the U10 children would exhibit their talent till December 28th.

After the selection process, the winners of the competition will get to train under Gopichand Academy. “What I would look for in the video during a rally is basic footwork, speed, wrist work, hand-eye co-ordination and style of strokes," said Gopichand to a specific query.

"Badminton has grown tremendously at grass roots but in the last few years I haven't got enough time to be with the younger players - as much as I would have liked. And this idea came up while sitting and chatting with some players," said Gopichand.

"Players are coming from all sorts of places. This initiative offers opportunity for the poorest of poor and farthest of farther to showcase their talent," he added.