‘Players need to get used to scheduling’
The scheduling of matches in the recent World Badminton Championship was an issue but the players need to get used to it, said Chief National Coach P Gopichand.
“In a way, yes (it was an issue). But sometimes you are at the wrong end. Her (P V Sindhu) semifinals was in the night session on Saturday and it was almost 1-1.30 by the time she slept and then next day the final was in the morning. Sometimes, these small things affect a long match where you need extra energy,” Gopichand said today.
However, it is important to get used to it, he said. “Not an excuse, it happens, it is just important that we get used to it. Yes, I would think, there were three, four matches which could have been scheduled better,” Gopichand said further.
He was asked if the scheduling of the matches was a concern. Gopichand said players sometimes lose out when it comes the television requirements and what fans want. “But, our challenge is that Indian television timings dictate matches and that’s why they want some of the matches to be in the morning and sometimes the local crowds may be wanting to see the big matches to be in the evening. It’s a compromise which needs to be done and sometimes we are affected,” Gopichand said.
Gopichand, who is appreciated for producing world class shuttlers, was elated with the way Sindhu played in the World Championship final before finishing second best in the epic clash.
“It was a tough match. Both the players played well. Very proud of the way Sindhu responded and also the fight which was on the cards. For me, one of the best matches I have seen. It’s been a great preparation for us. All of us put a great effort,” he said.