On the National Sports Day, one of the most famous ‘Guru-Sishya’ combinations — P. Gopi Chand and P.V. Sindhu — stepped into the Gopi Chand Academy which has become the hub of badminton in India.
Sindhu felt there are better days ahead for the sport. “Yes, there was a possibility of both of us [she and Saina Nehwal] playing in the final. Surely, one day we will play in the final of an inter-continental championship,” she said on Tuesday.
Sindhu said sports in general, and women athletes in particular, are getting wonderful support from the Government. “When we met [Narendra] Modiji after the Rio Olympics silver last year, he personally asked me if I wanted something more to keep doing well at the highest level. That is the kind of assurance you have now from the highest level,” she said.
“It is a great feeling to be looked at as someone who can change the perspective of Indian sports in terms of switching the popularity from cricket to badminton. We all know Sachin is a legend. So, no comparisons please. But, I am glad there is greater following for badminton now,” Sindhu said.
For his part, Gopi said it could not have got bigger on a day when the National Sports Day is celebrated in memory of one of the greatest sportspersons — hockey legend Dhyan Chand. “We are fortunate to have players like Saina and Sindhu who push the bar in many aspects of the game – be it skills on the court or fitness levels. Even in men’s singles Srikanth reaching his second quarterfinal in a World championship and the doubles pairs have done well,” Gopi said.
“Yes, we have broken a barrier in the World championship where we have been winning only one medal since 2011 by picking two this time around,” he said. “We are aware that lot more needs to be done, and in this context I believe that the Sports Talent Web Portal launched by the Central Government in helping the young talent across the country is a great initiative. I was aware of its concept and wish it would inspire many more to take up sports with all seriousness,” Gopi said.
