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Sindhu keen to emulate coach Gopichand’s All England feat
Sindhu believes she can become the first Indian woman to win the All England title.
Coordination is essential between trainee and coach, and PV Sindhu and Pullela Gopichand are the perfect example.
Sindhu wasn’t dropping the shuttle well at the net during training, but coach Gopichand didn’t utter a word. He guided her through eye movement, and soon she got the shot right.
“I have developed the technique of learning while training with Gopi sir. He has been a great source of inspiration. As a mark of respect, I would like to win the All-England title like him,” said Sindhu after a three-hour training session at the UP Badminton Academy here ahead of the ‘Hindustan Samagam’ on Saturday.
“Over the years, I have been training under Gopi sir. I want to become the first Indian woman to win the All England title. I believe I can do this and will also try to convert my white medal into yellow at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020,” she said.
“After Rio, I was asked by the coach not to take pressure, but I am not compromising on my training. Even today, I took the opportunity to train as tonight as I leave for the China Open,” said Sindhu, who praised Saina Nehwal as a great motivator.
“Saina congratulated me after my Rio medal. Even I wanted to meet her to know her well being after the injury but she told me she was out of country,” said Sindhu.
Sindhu’s father, PV Ramana, who accompanies her for most events across the world, wasn’t happy about the prize money given to her, including what was announced after her Olympic silver.
“We are hopeful of getting the prize money from different sources, including the Badminton Association of India (BAI), soon. I believe a reward has its charm when you get it at the right time,” he said.
He admitted Sindhu wanted to buy a house in Hyderabad last year and had even requested BAI to clear her prize money and cash award. “The dues are being cleared now.”
