Although two medals look good but it could have been much better
P GOPICHAND, chief national coach
NEWDELHI: Indian shuttlers created history at the World Championships, returning with two medals for the first time. PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal claimed silver and bronze medals in Glasgow, continuing the country’s tradition of winning at least one medal at the tournament since 2011.
However, chief national coach Pullela Gopichand feels they could have bagged more medals.
The former All-England champion spoke to Hindutan Times from the Scottish city. Excerpts:
How was it watching the final?
It was one of those tough matches. Sitting courtside, you were also admiring both the players for the way they fought. It was close. It was one of the best matches.
What did you advise Sindhu during the breaks?
There was very little strategy. It was important to keep fighting and a few other things, like, to keep the shuttle in play and to ensure that whenever she gets a chance to attack, to go ahead.
How was Sindhu feeling after the contest?
At the end of the day, you fight for gold and you have lost it. It doesn’t matter. She has done herself proud with the way she has played. The medal which she has won is not a mean achievement so I am very happy. The initial moments of disappointment of losing a tough match is there but she will reconcile and is happy about it.
We will be returning with two medals. What does this mean for Indian badminton?
This is huge. There will be a time when we will win gold and probably medals in other events too, which we could have this time as well. It shows the potential we have and, hopefully, we will get better results in future.
What do you make of the campaign of the Indians?
It was good. May be a couple of matches could have gone our way. There were doubles matches where we served on match points. Those we could have turned around… and (K) Srikanth’s match also on another day could have had another result. Although two medals look good, it could have been
better.