Pullela gets excellence award

India’s chief coach feels that sports culture in the country should be encouraged to garner more medals at international events

Former badminton champion and India's chief coach Pullela Gopichand was honoured with the ‘Vocational Excellence Award’ by Rotary Club of Vijayawada on Monday. Gopichand is in the city for the 79th Senior National Badminton Championship. Speaking on the occasion, Gopichand exhorted students to work with dedication to achieve their goals in life.

“Hurdles are always there in life. If you chase your dreams, God shows the way. Talent alone does not work miracles, but the commitment, work ethics and grit will push you beyond,” he said. Gopichand who produced several international stars through his badminton academy, said, “India is a country with minimal sports culture.

When Indian sportspersons win medals at international tournaments, the national anthem is played and the flag is raised. It is a moment of great pride for every athlete. Everyone should strive to make the country proud. There is every need to promote sports culture in the country to enable India win more medals at international events. Sports should be promoted in a big way in the country by spotting and encouraging budding talent.”

“A coach is the final authority in any game. Unlike in other countries, some senior players are dictating terms to coaches in India, which is not a healthy trend and it will affect the game,” the chief coach felt. “We should find our own ways to cheat ourselves to achieve our goal.

Figure out ways that make you bounce in the morning to what you should achieve in life. It is all about enthusiasm put together with integrity to be a great sportsperson,” he added. Rotary Club of Vijayawada Midtown district governor Dr GV Mohan Prasad, president Subbarao V Ravuri, secretary Sarath Chandra Yadavalli and other members of the club were present.