Westward Ho! for Gopi

New Delhi: National badminton coach Pullela Gopichand is all set to launch an academy in Gujarat next month and he is in talks with authories to open similar centers in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh as well in the coming days. "We are planning to open few centers across the country. We are taking to Gujarat, we will be definetely starting there next month. Bododra will be one of the first centers," Gopichand said.

"There were many proposals from other state associations for opening academy. There was a request from the Rajasthan association. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore came in touch and a proposal was sent and it augured well for us. We will finalise the nitty-gritties after Asian Games.

"Last three months have been very hectic for me. Few months before that also I was focused on the Commonwealth Games, World Championship and Asian Games. So once the Asian Games is over I will focus on these because I believe there is a lot of talent and interest also in state associations to open similar centers. So, we as an academy want to branch out to these new places," Gopichand said.

Gopichand said he plans to join hands with schools across the country in future.

"There is also a plan to tie up with schools across the country because if you look at the bench strength. There is a lot of budding talent and we want to ensure that we have more talents coming out and the sports grows even more," he said.