Saturday, June 8, 2019
Biography of Pullela Gopichand:
Pullela Gopichand is a former Indian badminton player and a highly successful badminton coach. He played a crucial role in popularizing badminton in India and has produced several top-level players through his coaching efforts.
Here is a brief biography of Pullela Gopichand:
Early Life:
Pullela Gopichand was born on November 16, 1973, in Nagandla, Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh, India.
He comes from a family with a sports background, and his father, Pullela Subash Chandra, was a national-level volleyball player.
Pullela Gopichand's Badminton Career:
Gopichand started playing badminton at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional talent and dedication.
He won the National Badminton Championships in 1996 and went on to represent India in various international tournaments.
Injuries and Transition to Coaching:
Gopichand's playing career was hampered by a series of injuries, including a knee injury that forced him to retire from competitive badminton.
Despite his premature retirement, Gopichand decided to contribute to the sport by becoming a coach and mentor.
Gopichand Badminton Academy:
In 2004, Pullela Gopichand founded the Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad, Telangana. The academy has since become a hub for nurturing talented badminton players.
The academy has produced several world-class players, including PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal.
Coaching Achievements:
Pullela Gopichand's coaching achievements include mentoring players to win prestigious titles at the international level.
PV Sindhu, under his guidance, won the silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the gold medal at the 2019 World Championships.
Saina Nehwal, another protégé, won the bronze medal at the 2012 London Olympics and became the first Indian woman to reach the World No. 1 ranking in badminton.
Awards and Recognition:
Pullela Gopichand has received several awards for his contributions to badminton and coaching. These include the Dronacharya Award (2009) and the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, in 2014.
He was also honored with the prestigious Arjuna Award in 1999 for his achievements as a badminton player.
Personal Life of Pullela Gopichand:
Pullela Gopichand is married to Lakshmi Gopichand, who herself is a former national-level badminton player.
The couple has two children.
Pullela Gopichand's impact on Indian badminton, both as a player and a coach, is immense. His coaching philosophy, emphasis on discipline, and commitment to excellence have played a pivotal role in transforming India into a force to be reckoned with in international badminton.