Foreign coach will help tune doubles play — Prakash

Not satisfied with the present scenario, Padukone was hopeful that in the coming years, India will have quite a few shuttlers who can bring laurels to the nation.

“Gopi (Chand) and Aparna (Popat) have reached a level that there is no real competition to them here. That’s why we have planned additional exposure trips for them abroad,” he said.

But is he happy with their showing so far in international events? “The Commonwealth team silver (men) and bronze (women) have given the right kind of impetus. But I would want them both to be in the top 25 (for Gopi) and 20 (forAparna) world rankings bracket before the end of 2000. Otherwise, it will be a waste.”

Padukone indicated that the 25-year-old Gopi has to push himself up to reach there before the end of the millennium before age catches up with him. Incidentally, the Indian Oil shuttler from Andhra had a fruitful 1998, winning five out of six title-clashes this season. He was adjudged the best player of the year and was presented with the trophy here.

“He has now fully recovered from injuries and is looking good. This is the time for him to press further. We are working on some regimen for him at the BPL Academy and that should help him,” said Padukone.

Talking of Aparna, Padukone felt that age was with her — she is 20 — but then she will have to improve her speed. “She is very skillful and has good strokes but will have to be quick in her movements. As she plays in the European and Asian circuits, she is bound to improve,” he said.

Asked if he was impressed with any of the youngsters, Padukone was full ofpraise for Anuj Gupta, Srikant Bakshi and Madhur Kalia. “They were really impressive. They made top players struggle. That’s a good sign. With some fine-tuning, they would be all right in course of time.”

Talking on the need of a foreign coach, Padukone said it was imperative that our training methods matched with those of the Asian giants, China and Indonesia. “In particular, a foreign coach will be of help in tuning our doubles teams. We have had this problem for quite long. In the past, we have lost in Thomas and Uber Cup championships because we did not have the right doubles combination. We have appointed Chinese coach Zhu Xiao Dong with this in view. He was recommended to us by IBF. He has the experience, having coached their national team.”

Padukone also spoke on the necessity for a couple of more academies in order to build up the game. One such academy is already on the drawing board, approved by the BAI, to be set up in the northeast near Guwahati this year. The Oil India Limited (OIL) andOil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) will be financing the project with BAI providing technical assistance apart from supplying coaches.

Asked about other irritants which are yet to be sorted out, Padukone said: “Absolutely none. If at all any, it is about finding sponsors. Luckily, we have signed up a Rs 50-lakh deal with BPL to sponsor the Indian teams abroad. I think even the players are happy now.”